The government is helping to set up an international network of
e-crime prosecutors to help fight global digital crime.
The Global Prosecutors' E-Crime Network (GPEN) has been
developed by the high-tech crime unit of the UK Crown Prosecution
Service's (CPS) international division, in conjunction with the
International Association of Prosecutors (IAP).
It will comprise a database of e-crime prosecutors, a channel
for exchanging advice, and host
e-crime material including a virtual college.
UK
attorney general Baroness Scotland said, "It is widely
recognised that e-crime is the most rapidly expanding form of
criminality and knows no borders. Prosecutors play a very
significant role in combating e-crime, and their advice at an early
stage of police investigation can be fundamental to success.
"The world of high-tech crime is ever changing and those
fighting it have to keep up to date. This international network
will speed up safe communication between specialists, enabling
prosecutors to share best practice and training, and raise
standards across continents."
It is expected a GPEN website will be fully operational next
year. The site will house a database of e-crime prosecutors from
across the world, a message board for exchanging advice and
queries, a collection of e-crime material such as legal guidance,
and a virtual e-crime prosecutors' college containing up-to-date
training.
Esther George, of the CPS high-tech crime unit said, "We are
delighted to kick-start this initiative because the network will
enable prosecutors world-wide to join together to fight e-crime. It
is one example of the many far-sighted approaches the CPS deploys
to stay one step ahead of the criminals both domestically and on
the world stage."
Francois Falletti, president of the International Association of
Prosecutors said, "This network will present an outstanding
opportunity for prosecutors all over the world to collaborate in
order to more effectively combat cybercrime in all its
manifestations."
The Council of Europe, Eurojust, and the US, Australian and
Bahamas governments have all endorsed the project, so far.
Specialist prosecutors from individual countries will be urged to
become involved in the network through their membership of the
IAP.
The CPS is one of the first prosecuting authorities to develop
e-crime trained lawyers, who now number over 120.
The new database will aid legal cases against instances of
fraud, the possession of indecent images of children and their
grooming, and the distribution of malicious computer software.