Tech
Singapore AGC launches task force on tech and cryptocurrency crime
In response to the evolving technology crime landscape, Singapore’s Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) officially established two specialized task forces this year, according to Lianhe Zaobao. Made up of around 20 prosecutors, these units aim to address the challenges posed by technological advances in criminal activities.
Two types of technological crimes
Wang Shouren, deputy chief prosecutor of the AGC, said in an interview with Lianhe Zaobao that technology-enabled crimes mainly fall into two categories. The first concerns crimes directly related to technology, such as hacking into computer systems. The second category is technology-facilitated crimes, which are traditional crimes aided by technology, such as digital forgery, online harassment, and fraud.
Specialized task forces
The AGC has been focusing on this criminal trend since the late 1990s and has now formally established two task forces: the Technology Crime Task Force and the Cryptocurrency Task Force. The former deals with cyber or technology-assisted crimes and handles digital evidence, while the latter focuses on issues arising from them cryptocurrencies such as assets, including assisting the Singapore Police Force in tracking and managing such assets.
Training and Collaboration
All prosecutors are required to undergo basic training on technology crimes and digital evidence. Task force members also collaborate with relevant government agencies such as the Criminal Investigation Department and the Commercial Affairs Department, and also receive specialized training abroad. Wang Shouren added: “We also maintain contacts with large technology companies and social media companies, as tackling cybercrime and addressing challenges brought by technological advances require close cooperation between the public and private sectors.”
Cross-border cooperation
Wang cited a recent case involving a local Singaporean man who committed identity theft in the United States, defrauding hundreds of thousands of dollars. The case highlighted the importance of international cooperation in law enforcement, especially when criminals operate across borders.
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