NCJ Number
218221
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 74 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2007 Pages: 21-23
Date Published
April 2007
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes how the FBI is developing an international network designed to counter Internet-related crimes perpetrated by criminals who initiate their crimes against U.S. companies and residents from outside U.S. legal jurisdiction.
Abstract
The FBI's Cyber Division was created in 2002. In coordination with the FBI's Office of International Operations (OIO), it routinely conducts and coordinates international cybercrime investigations. Although the need for international cooperation in combatting cybercrime is recognized by governments and law enforcement agencies throughout the world, such cooperation is impeded by laws that differ from country to country. What is illegal in the United States may not be illegal in the country from which a person breaks U.S. law that victimizes U.S. citizens and businesses. The FBI established its OIO in order to facilitate Federal investigations through a network of legal attache offices that are strategically placed in various countries. Although FBI agents generally do not have enforcement powers in these countries, they have a thorough knowledge of the host country's investigative rules. They also cultivate productive relationships with officials in the host country, so they can cooperate where feasible and appropriate. One example of international cooperation in countering cybercrime is the work of the Innocent Images International Task Force, which focuses on the investigation of online child exploitation. With the exception of participating FBI personnel, all of the task force members are from other countries. Each task force participant serves for up to 6 months at an FBI building with FBI agents. This arrangement allows officers from participating countries to have access to information and share it quickly. The task force model allows for the timely dissemination and receipt of needed information. All of the investigations are joint investigations that coordinate investigative tactics and targets in all of the jurisdictions involved. Examples are provided of the task force's work in cases that involved the FBI's cooperation with officials in Australia, Denmark, and Canada. 1 figure