Crown Prosecution Service tackles hi-tech crime

CPS plan is part of its Hi-Tech Crime Strategy

The UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has announced plans to create a network of lawyers to specifically tackle high-tech crime involving child pornography, computer hacking and identity fraud, according to a report from the BBC.

CPS policy director Philip Geering announced the measures at a one-day conference at the British Library as part of the organisation's Hi-Tech Crime Strategy.

Geering praised technology for providing "tremendous benefits for society" but said that it also provides opportunities for criminals.

"The police in hi-tech crime cases often involve CPS prosecutors from the preliminary investigation of the offence. CPS prosecutors can advise on evidential issues and the various avenues of the investigation," he said.

The network will consist of 110 barristers who will advise courts and help ensure that defendants do not use technology-based evidence to confuse or mislead juries.

"The CPS proposals will act as a deterrent to internet criminals and will help ensure that these bad guys get the verdict and sentence they deserve," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.

"This move is good news for businesses across the UK, but there is still room for improvement when dealing with high-tech crime.

"The legal system must now focus on drawing up a formal framework for reporting internet security issues such as spyware and Trojan attacks."

Sophos noted that, although the National High-Tech Crime Unit has had some success in fighting computer crime, it does not have the resources to receive reports of attacks and infections and, as a result, some cyber-criminals are escaping justice.

The CPS plan is part of its Hi-Tech Crime Strategy designed to raise awareness among all its staff of the challenges posed by modern-day, computer-literate, web-based criminals.

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