JADS and Avendar launch bootcamp: investigating with AIJADS and Avendar launch bootcamp: investigating with AI

Investigations into fraud and organized crime are becoming more complex, while capacity is under pressure. Together with JADS (Jheronimus Academy of Data Science, a collaboration between TU Eindhoven and Tilburg University), Avendar is launching its first bootcamp this autumn to help investigators use AI responsibly and effectively.

Public institutions across Europe face growing case files, more diverse data sources and increasing expectations on investigative quality — often with the same or fewer resources. At the same time, AI opens up new possibilities to recognise patterns, prioritise leads and support analysis. The challenge is not whether AI can help, but how to deploy it in a way that is legally sound, transparent and aligned with professional judgment.

That is why Avendar and JADS are combining academic depth with hands-on public-sector experience in a three-day bootcamp for professionals in enforcement, compliance and intelligence. Avendar brings practical knowledge from criminal investigations and Bibob screening at institutions including the Dutch National Police. JADS contributes research expertise in trustworthy AI, explainable models and human–AI collaboration in high-stakes decision-making.

Three days, from foundation to application

Each day builds on the previous one. Participants start with a shared understanding of AI, deepen their skills through practical examples, and finish with a concrete application for their own organisation.

Day 1: Foundation, data and responsible use

What is AI, how do large language models work in broad terms, and which possibilities are relevant for fraud and organized crime investigations? Day 1 lays the foundation: the opportunities and limitations of AI in an investigative context, which data is usable and where risks arise, and how to deal with bias, privacy, transparency and human control.

Day 2: Applications in investigation and analysis

Day 2 focuses on practice. Participants work with examples around documents, transactions, networks and open sources, map their own workflows and translate AI capabilities into recognisable investigative situations — including how to interpret results without drawing conclusions too quickly, and where human judgment remains indispensable.

Day 3: From insight to application in your own practice

On the final day, participants develop a concrete application for their organisation or team together with Avendar and JADS experts. The bootcamp closes with a worked concept, a feasibility check and clear next steps — including practical knowledge of existing tools within the investigative domain.

The bootcamp is relevant for fraud investigators, intelligence analysts, compliance professionals, team leaders and L&D coordinators working in the public sector. No technical prior knowledge is required.