TCD officer warns against cyber crime with computer forensic equipment

The Force's operational capabilities and expertise in relation to IT crime investigations will be greatly enhanced with the recent establishment of the Technology Crime Division (TCD) of the Commercial Crime Bureau.

An expansion of the former Computer Crime Section of CCB, the new division is divided into three sections: Operations, Forensic Investigations and Intelligence and Support Sections.

The officer in charge of the new division, Senior Superintendent Ng Kam-wing stressed that TCD was set up to meet the challenges of cyber crime arising from the rapid developments in information technology over the last decade and the increasing globalisation of commercial and financial services.

SSP Ng said: " The new division, incorporating expanded human and technology resources, will further enhance the Force's IT criminal investigation capabilities, development of accredited computer forensics, legal and technical research related to cyber policing, intelligence gathering and liaison with industry professionals and overseas law enforcement agencies.

" At present, 42 officers currently serve in the new division compared with 17 previously in CCS. These include 35 who have obtained tertiary qualifications ranging from bachelor to doctorate-level degrees in IT or related fields. We envisage an additional 31 suitably qualified officers joining the division over the next two years.

" Additionally, new equipment will be commissioned and a new Computer Forensics Examination Laboratory established in Arsenal House later this year," he said.

Much effort has been put into the development of training and accreditation programs," SSP Ng noted. " We are endeavouring to further develop the knowledge and skills of our officers through both in-house and external research and training utilising various investigational tools and techniques.

" We also work in conjunction with tertiary institutions, such as the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, on programs aimed at maintaining professionalism in relation to computer forensic examinations and digital evidence recovery, which are vital to the investigation and prosecution of cyber criminals."

TCD Superintendent Hilton Chan added that the investigative capability of frontline formations would also be broadened through the operation of the Technology Crime Initial Response Cadre (TCIRC), which was made up of voluntary officers from different formations. Cadre members have received intensive training and are deployed to detect crimes involving IT devices.

SP Chan said: " An advanced training course for TCIRC members will commence this month and will run until February 2002. We are also considering commencing another round of recruitment to further increase available manpower."

Officers wishing to get TCD advice on IT crime investigation are welcome to call 2860-4800 or 2860-4797 during office hours or 2860-5013 outside office hours.



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