"Back home I was aware of people from Kosovo who settled in my town in the aftermath of the conflict in their country - but little did I know that one day I would be posted here", begins the story of Marina Toivonen, a EULEX investigative officer specialising in organised crime. 

Marina comes from Turku, an ancient town in southwest Finland, straddling peacefully along the magnificent banks of Aura River. Deployed three years ago to Kosovo, Marina points out the main reasons that prompted her departure.

"I applied for the post because Kosovo is part of Europe just like Finland. EULEX mandate looked very interesting and I was moved by the people who sought refuge in my country", says Marina.

Marina works in the EULEX's Organised Crime Investigation Unit, consisting of a team of detectives brought together from 20 countries. These detectives have been sent to Kosovo because of their expertise in investigating organised crime, high level corruption and terrorism. As part of this team, Marina investigates all aspects of organised crime from corruption, misuse of official power, financial embezzlement to trafficking of human beings and drugs. Currently the team is conducting approximately 27 investigations, excluding prosecutorial investigations.

Marina cooperates closely with the SPRK prosecutors. Contrary to the practice in her own country where police have far reaching powers, working in Kosovo requires some adjustment from Marina's side. Whilst Kosovo Police may start investigations, the prosecution leads when it comes to initiating criminal proceedings and they direct police enquiries. Proceedings are activated after reasonable suspicion is raised that a crime has been committed, in accordance to Kosovo law.

Organised crime is a threat to all European citizens and its growing complexity means that there are myriad of ways to describe it. According to Marina, organised crime generally involves a network of people carrying out clandestine criminal activities for substantial profit. These crimes have grave consequences to a country's economy and society.

"Organised crime gangs work far away from the public eye and they operate across borders. This means the investigations can be very complicated. Every time you fill up your car with smuggled petrol, buy counterfeit goods, or attempt to bribe an official, you line the pockets of criminals and you harm your community. Organised crime and corruption hurts citizens, business, communities and state institutions", Marina points out.

Despite the fact that Finland holds a respectable third place on the corruption perception list of 177 countries worldwide, the reality is that the police in Marina's country also deals with cases of organised crime.

"It is important to understand that organised crime also exists in my country. We also have our own problems, such as drugs, financial fraud, tax evasion and street gangs", says Marina.

There are currently around 40 detectives in the Organised Crime Investigation Unit working closely with Kosovo Police colleagues to tackle serious crimes. Many of these cases are being run as joint investigations. These investigations consist of a team of KP and EULEX detectives sharing information and working together in partnership under the direction of an SPRK Prosecutor. EULEX and Kosovo Police teams have worked together on some high profile arrests of organised crime suspects for murder, drug trafficking and trafficking in human beings. Some of these cases have an international dimension involving several concurrent arrests throughout Europe.

"I am delighted that our involvement with local police in joint investigations is increasing day by day. We are not here for ourselves, Kosovo institutions are going to take over one day. I especially enjoy our cooperation", says Marina, adding that an important aspect of EULEX's legacy is to provide Kosovo authorities with tools that can be used in their future endeavours to tackle organised crime.

Marina is leaving soon to resume police duties in her home country, taking a piece of Kosovo with.

"Kosovo is struggling but an optimistic atmosphere prevails! People make this place very special and I am leaving behind many dear friends. I am especially impressed with young Kosovars, who behave better than elsewhere in Europe. Nordic countries have problems with their youth who are prone to drinking and vandalism. You just don't see such things occurring here".

Marina is aware that work EULEX and Kosovo Police carry out now will affect future generations.

"This is why we must increase our efforts both in Finland and Kosovo to stem out organised crime and corruption. I want to see younger generations of Kosovo and Finland with greater aspirations towards their future. We are here to help them achieve their dreams", concludes Marina.