Association AVANE, a French non-profit that specializes in assisting families of victims involved in unresolved criminal cases, has officially become a participating organisation of AMBER Alert Europe. This collaboration marks a significant enhancement in cross-border efforts to tackle cold cases that have lingered without resolution.

Founded with a core mission to support families affected by unsolved crimes, Association AVANE provides free assistance through procedural guidance, expert case reviews, and advocacy for victims. Their work focuses on relaunching investigations in cold cases, such as unresolved homicides and other serious crimes like sexual assault and kidnapping. They aim to offer victims’ families the chance for justice and closure by working alongside judicial authorities to reopen and reevaluate stalled investigations​. The association also advocates for the development of innovative tools and practices to increase resolution rates in France, where around 130 homicides remain unsolved annually​.

As part of their collaboration with AMBER Alert Europe, Association AVANE will participate in the 9th edition of the International Cold Case Analysis Project, a unique initiative that brings together students from across the globe to analyze and advance cold cases. This project serves as an international platform to exchange insights and expertise to potentially breathe new life into cases that have remained unsolved for years​.

Frank Hoen, Chairman and Founder of AMBER Alert Europe, expressed his enthusiasm for this new partnership, saying: “We are thrilled to welcome Association AVANE into our network. Their dedication to supporting families of victims and expertise in cold cases will significantly strengthen our joint mission to protect missing children and bring justice to those affected by unresolved crimes.”

Benoit de Maillard, founder and chairman of Association AVANE, expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with AMBER Alert Europe: “I am honored and eager to work with AMBER Alert Europe in the future. I am convinced that collaboration is essential to enhancing our ability to solve cold cases. The ICCAP project exemplifies how collaborative efforts can generate new leads in investigations. Many thanks to Karsten Bettels, Frank Hoen, and AMBER Alert Europe for trusting our organization and allowing us to join them in helping families find the truth.”