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Home » News Centre » Press Releases » CPS high tech crime specialists leading the fight against cyber crime

CPS high tech crime specialists leading the fight against cyber crime

19/10/2005

The challenges facing the Crown Prosecution Service's 110 strong network of high tech crime specialists will be outlined at a conference on Child Pornography on the Internet today.

Policy Director, Philip Geering said: "Whilst technology provides tremendous benefits for society, it also creates opportunities for criminals. As the number of people using technology increases, so too does the threat of criminals using this technology.

"Having prepared for the challenges, specialist high- tech crime prosecutors must lead the way. There is no doubt that our High-Tech Crime Strategy is an example of where the CPS has done just that, with interest expressed not only from Europe but also the Commonwealth."

The high tech crime strategy is designed to:

  • equip specialist prosecutors with the cutting edge skills and knowledge required to prosecute high tech crime now and in the future.
  • raise awareness amongst all staff of the challenges and issues around high-tech crime.

The conference, hosted by the CPS and 3 Raymond Buildings barristers' chambers, is aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the police and prosecuting authorities in dealing with child pornography.

Solicitor General, Mike O'Brien QC said: "The Internet offers massive commercial and personal opportunities but it also has a dark side. It enables criminals to commit new types of fraud and paedophiles easier access to child pornography.

"The Government is determined to do everything to tackle crime on the internet and especially to protect children from porn merchants. We have strengthened our legal framework, giving courts the powers to pass longer sentences. We now propose to make the possession of violent pornographic material a criminal offence.

"The internet is world wide so cross border co-operation between investigators and prosecutors is vital to combating Internet pornography. The UK is leading the way in building stronger partnerships internationally. The creation of the international database of child victims will play an important role in the prosecution of the perpetrators of this abuse and identify their victims so protection can be provided for them."

Head of Chambers, Clive Nicholls QC said: "3 Raymond Buildings recognises the overwhelming public interest in the effective prosecution of offenders who promote the distribution of child pornography on the internet. We advise and conduct prosecutions in this challenging area through working closely from arrest to sentence with other expert agencies.

"The conference is primarily intended to promote even closer integration throughout this process. We welcome delegates from the United Kingdom and overseas, and anticipate working closely with them in future".

The Conference will include seminars on:

  • Child Pornography: the problem and the harm defined
  • Expert Evidence and the methods of distribution
  • Future weapons in the internet arms race

For further information, contact the CPS Press Office on 0207 796 8079.