Ukrainian representative participates in the MARS Network anniversary meeting for the first time
On 28-29 April 2026, the 5th anniversary annual meeting of the Network of Magistrates/Prosecutors Responsible for Sports (MARS Network) took place at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg, France.
Olha Bilyk, Senior Expert of the International Project Activities Division of the International Relations Directorate of the International Cooperation Department of the Office of the Prosecutor General and a member of the National Platform of Sports Integrity, attended the event as Ukraine’s representative for the first time.
The MARS Network is a key Council of Europe platform for fostering cooperation between prosecutors and law enforcement agencies in investigating offences in sport, including the manipulation of competition results, corruption and related financial crimes. Participation in the network provides access to exchanges of operational information, best practices and common approaches to investigations at international level.
The meeting brought together representatives of law enforcement agencies, prosecution services, international organisations and the expert community to discuss current issues in investigating crimes in sport. Discussions focused on legal frameworks and investigative powers, international and interinstitutional cooperation, the use of artificial intelligence to detect offences, and the collection of evidence in criminal proceedings.
Participants also discussed Ukraine’s progress in European integration, particularly regarding legal instruments for investigating crimes involving the manipulation of sports competition results. This topic was addressed in the legal framework session and concerned improvements to national legislation and mechanisms for international cooperation in the relevant criminal proceedings.
In her address, Ukraine’s representative focused on the development of legal instruments for investigating crimes involving the manipulation of sports competition results, as well as international cooperation and practical interaction between competent authorities. The discussion addressed the provision of effective extradition mechanisms under martial law and guarantees of respect for human rights.
Particular attention was paid to exchanges of practical experience between representatives of different countries and to establishing effective cooperation between law enforcement agencies and sports institutions.
The Ukrainian representative’s participation in the event marked an important step towards strengthening international cooperation, integration into the Council of Europe’s professional networks, and exchanges of practical experience in combating the manipulation of sports competitions.