Ghanaian cyber security expert and the founder of e-Crime Bureau, Albert Antwi-Boasiako has been selected to join other global leaders in cyber security on the INTERPOL Global Cybercrime Expert Group (IGCEG).

The nomination of Mr. Antwi-Boasiako to the group was supported by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police through the National Central Bureau of INTERPOL, Accra.

According to the Director-General of the CID, COP Prosper K Agblor, “Ghana’s representation on the IGCEG group highlights the efforts of the CID both locally and internationally to deal with cybercrimes”.

Other experts have been selected from all INTERPOL member countries and the IGCEG group is composed of law enforcement, key industry players and international organizations with specialty in cybercrime and cyber security.

The IGCEG group was formed in 2014 based on Interpol’s General Assembly Resolution. The group’s mandate is to “advise the INTERPOL General Secretariat on policy formulation and project implementation regarding programs and capabilities related to the cyber area.”

The formation of the IGCEG expert group was necessitated by the fact that cybercrime has developed a transnational dimension as a result of the proliferation of global services available over the internet, globalization of the world’s economy, and the availability of tools.

A statement released by IGCEG said, “there have been a phenomenal increase in cyber threats by criminal groups and individuals affecting the security of citizens whose activities largely depend on the internet and development of new and sophisticated technologies to perpetuate cybercrimes and other conventional crimes.

“Acquisition of forensic and digital evidence through investigations into serious crimes relative to computers and mobile devices has been a serious issue of concern to developing countries in prosecuting offenses. It is also in recognition of new trends and sophistication of cybercrime that has made it important for governments and institutions around the globe to stay ahead of criminals with innovative cyber security solutions.”

“Ghana’s recognition and inclusion in the IGCEG group is a clear indication of the country’s efforts and contributions in addressing cybercrime challenges globally,” the center has acknowledged.

“Activities of the expert group will directly help Ghana to build upon knowledge and expertise in specific cyber security and cybercrime investigations to ensure cyber criminality in Ghana is addressed”.

The activities of the IGCEG group will also strengthen international cooperation in cyber security and cybercrime investigations especially within law enforcement.

The outcome of the group’s activities will contribute to enhancing Ghana’s capacity in training, legislation, cyber security and forensics technology in addressing cyber threats.

The first meeting of the group is taking place at the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation (IGCI) in Singapore from November 30 to December 1, 2015.