AFP hosts international forum on high tech crime
The role of intelligence gathering during the investigation of high tech crime will be the primary focus of an
international forum hosted by the Australian Federal Police in Canberra this week.
Delegates from six countries and several Australian agencies will attend the colloquium, which was initiated by the AFP
as part of its response to this rapidly evolving crime-type.
The forum is designed to promote open discussion aimed at preventing and resolving crime in the virtual world. It
follows a decision by the AFP to create a new operational area focusing on emerging crime types and future technology.
Amongst the topics being discussed is the way in which organised crime syndicates are using the internet to conduct
their business, and the threats and opportunities presented by online social networking sites.
The Director of the Australian High Tech Crime Centre, James McCormack, said the AFP was working closely with industry,
local and international law enforcement partners to counter illegal activity online.
"This colloquium is an important step in the ongoing process of ensuring a cooperative and comprehensive approach is
taken towards identifying and combating crime trends," Director McCormack said.
"One recently identified area of concern is the way in which some criminals are beginning to specialise in particular
aspects of online crime, such as money laundering, phishing and credit card fraud."
The two-day conference will involve workshops for participants, as well as presentations from international
organisations including Europol and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
ENDS