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Ghanaian cyber security expert and the Founder of e-Crime Bureau, Albert Antwi-Boasiako has been selected to join other global leaders in cyber security on the INTERPOL Global Cybercrime Expert Group (IGCEG).

The IGCEG group was formed in 2014 based on Interpol’s General Assembly Resolution. The group’s mandate is to “advise the INTERPOL General Secretariat on policy formulation and project implementation regarding programmes and capabilities related to the cyber area.”

 The formation of the IGCEG expert group is necessitated by the fact that cybercrime has developed a transnational dimension as a result of the proliferation of global services available over the internet, globalization of the world’s economy, and the availability of tools.

 There have been a phenomenal increase in cyber threats by criminal groups and individuals affecting the security of citizens whose activities largely depend on the internet and development of new and sophisticated technologies to perpetuate cybercrimes and other conventional crimes. Acquisition of forensic and digital evidence through investigations into serious crimes relative to computers and mobile devices has been a serious issue of concern to developing countries in prosecuting offenses. It is also in recognition of new trends and sophistication of cybercrime that has made it important for governments and institutions around the globe to stay ahead of criminals with innovative cyber security solutions.

The IGCEG will provide a forum for exchange of information and good practices, to assist in developing strategy on cyber issues and to serve as an advisory body to the General Secretariat on projects relative to capacity development including training, harmonization of cyber laws, operational and forensic support for INTERPOL member countries in cyber security matters. The team of experts will largely assist the General Secretariat in developing a long-term, comprehensive and integrated strategy on cyber security issues. In achieving these benchmarks, INTERPOL will be maintaining an international network of experts or contact points for issues regarding cyber security research, training and forensics.

Ghana’s recognition and inclusion in the IGCEG group is a clear indication of the country’s efforts and contributions in addressing cybercrime challenges globally.  Activities of the expert group will directly help Ghana to build upon knowledge and expertise in specific cyber security and cybercrime investigations to ensure cyber criminality in Ghana is addressed.

The nomination of Mr Antwi-Boasiako to the group was supported by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police through the National Central Bureau of INTERPOL, Accra. According to the Director-General of the CID, COP/Mr Prosper K Agblor, ‘Ghana’s representation on the IGCEG group highlights the efforts of the CID both locally and internationally to deal with cybercrimes. We have been collaborating with e-Crime Bureau since 2012 and the activities of the IGCEG group will further enhance our collaborative efforts in building capacity to address cybercrimes and sharing of international best practices on cybercrime investigations.’

According to Mr Antwi-Boasiako, the activities of the IGCEG group will also strengthen international cooperation in cyber security and cybercrime investigations especially within law enforcement. The outcome of the group’s activities will contribute to enhancing Ghana’s capacity in training, legislation, cyber security and forensics technology in addressing cyber threats.

The first meeting of the group is taking place at the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation (IGCI) in Singapore from November 30 to December 1, 2015. Experts have been selected from all INTERPOL member countries and the IGCEG group is composed of law enforcement, key industry players and international organizations with speciality in cybercrime and cyber security.