E-crime network to be established

Thursday, August 28, 2008

The UK has announced that it will lead the establishment of a specialist network of e-crime prosecutors.

Baroness Scotland said the new network would comprise of a database of e-crime prosecutors from across the world and a forum for people to share advice, offer legal guidance and host e-crime material including a virtual training college.

Called the Global Prosecutors' E-crime Network (GPEN), it has been developed by the hi-tech crime unit of the Crown Prosecution Service's (CPS) international division. The development was in conjunction with the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP).

E-crime cases in the past have been very difficult to explain to judges and juries, so it is hoped the new network will provide more prosecutors who are well informed on e-crime.

"It is widely recognised that e-crime is the most rapidly expanding form of criminality and knows no borders," said Baroness Scotland. "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."

Esther George of the CPS hi-tech crime unit said: "We are delighted to kick-start this initiative because the network will enable prosecutors worldwide 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."

Through their membership of the IAP, specialist prosecutors will be urged to become involved in the network. The Council of Europe, Eurojust, the USA, Australia and the Bahamas have all endorsed the project.