The ENCORE project, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to combating corruption that facilitates pollution crimes, including trafficking in waste and fluorinated gases (F-gases), marked a significant milestone last week with the first meetings of its two advisory bodies: the High-Level Advisory Board (HLAB) and the Law Enforcement Agencies Advisory Group (LEAAG). Both events were hosted at the prestigious Siracusa International Institute for Criminal Justice and Human Rights in Siracusa, Italy, from January 27 to 29, 2026. Discussions were facilitated by the project partners: the Siracusa International Institute; Ambiendura; the Envicrime Academy; and the World Resources Institute.
Strategic Dialogue and Expert Insights
The HLAB convened on January 27-28, bringing together a diverse group of experts whose collective experience spans civil society; government and policy; as well as international organizations and criminal justice networks. The project team presented the current state of ENCORE’s activities and outlined upcoming initiatives, soliciting strategic and thematic inputs to guide the project’s trajectory. HLAB members, leveraging their varied backgrounds and deep expertise, helped identify key priorities that ENCORE will address in its mission to strengthen the global fight against corruption linked to pollution crimes.
The HLAB meeting was attended by:
- Mr Francisco José Acosta Díaz, O2-24 AP EnviCrime – Specialist, Europol
- Mr Darko Blinkov, General Environmental Inspector (North Macedonia)
- Mr Rob de Rijck, Chair, Working Group 2 Waste, European Network of Prosecutors for the Environment
- Mr Martijn Hildebrand, Senior Advisor, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (The Netherlands)
- Mr Julian Newman, Campaigns Director, Environmental Investigation Agency UK
- Ms Tatiana Terekhova, Senior Programme Management Officer, OzonAction, United Nations Environment Programme
Following the HLAB, the LEAAG met on January 28-29, assembling law enforcement professionals from across Europe and beyond. The focus of this group was to ensure that ENCORE’s activities are closely aligned with the practical needs and challenges faced by the law enforcement community. LEAAG members provided invaluable perspectives on how to tailor the project’s outputs—such as training modules, policy recommendations, and analytic tools—to maximize their impact on the ground.
The LEAAG meeting was attended by:
- Mr Francisco José Acosta Díaz, O2-24 AP EnviCrime – Specialist, Europol
- Lt. Col. Mgr. Ondrej Koporec, Chair, EnviCrimeNet
- Col. Sébastien Nochez, Head of the Strategy and Operations Division, CESAN, Gendarmerie (France)
- Lt. Ana Prieto Rego, International Department – SEPRONA, Guardia Civil, (Spain)
- Ms Laura Tvardovska, Analyst, First Financial Intelligence Division, FIU (Latvia)
- Mr Michele Viale, Operations Coordinator for Pollution and Illegal Mining, Environmental Security Sub-Directorate, Interpol
Shaping the Future of ENCORE
The insights gathered from both advisory bodies will play a crucial role in shaping the next phases of the ENCORE project. By integrating the strategic vision of the HLAB with the operational expertise of the LEAAG, ENCORE aims to develop targeted, effective solutions that address the complex interplay between corruption and environmental crime.
“These inaugural meetings have set a strong foundation for ENCORE’s work in 2026 and beyond,” said a project spokesperson. “The engagement and commitment of our advisory board members and law enforcement partners are essential as we strive to create meaningful change in the fight against corruption and pollution crimes.”
About ENCORE
ENCORE (Environmental Corruption Response) is an EU-funded project focused on strengthening the capacity of law enforcement, judicial authorities, and other stakeholders to detect, investigate, and prosecute corruption related to pollution crimes. Through research, capacity-strengthening and intelligence analysis activities, ENCORE aims to shed a light on this understudied and underreported phenomenon, and help countries build resilience against this threat.
For more information please contact the Project Coordinator using the form on our Contact us section.
