Tonga Hosts Regional Meeting to Combat Growing Threat of Cybercrime in Finance
A Three-Day Conference to Address Cybercrime Concerns in the Commonwealth Pacific Region
Nuku’alofa, Tonga - The Government of Tonga has collaborated with the International Association of Prosecutors and the Pacific Islands Law Officers Network to host a regional conference aimed at tackling the growing concern of cybercrime in the Commonwealth Pacific region. The three-day meeting brings together law enforcement officials, legal officers, and government representatives from across the region to address the deepening concerns around cybercrime.
Cybercrime: A Major Obstacle to Socio-Economic Development, Peace, and Stability
According to Josephine Ojiambo, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, “Cybercriminals do not respect national boundaries. Consequently, the Commonwealth is working at a regional level to stem the scourge of a debilitating threat to national security.” The meeting seeks to enhance individual country responses to the disturbing growth of advanced cybercrime in resource-constrained environments.
Alarming Cost of Cybercrime
Recent research has highlighted the alarming cost of cybercrime, which is expected to reach as much as $2.1 trillion by 2019. Investigators face a major challenge in keeping pace with the speed of offending, requiring high levels of skill, quality equipment, and extensive training.
Conference Objectives
During the conference, delegates will:
- Analyze regional trends and share expertise in cybercrime amongst law enforcement officials
- Receive specialist and technical training aimed at improving their skills and competencies to contribute more effectively in investigations and prosecutions of cybercrime-related offenses
- Establish an informal network of Pacific Region Cybercrime Justice Practitioners on a secure virtual platform to foster collaboration within the region and beyond
Importance of Expertise in Policy, Law, Law Enforcement, Prosecution, and Prevention
Shadrach Haruna, Legal Adviser in the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Rule of Law Division, emphasized that “the complexity and speed of evolution of cybercrime makes it essential that expertise in policy, law, law enforcement, prosecution, and prevention not only be developed but also monitored, maintained, and updated frequently.”
A Critical Time for Action
The meeting comes at a critical time as cybercrime continues to pose a significant threat to the financial sector and national security. With the increasing complexity and speed of evolution of cybercrime, it is essential that experts in policy, law, law enforcement, prosecution, and prevention work together to develop effective strategies to combat this growing threat.