4 March 2015 - Cybercrime is one of the fastest growing transnational organized crimes and already affects millions of victims worldwide. It takes the form of identity-related offences, infringement of copyright and intellectual property rights, and child pornography and abuse. It is one of the greatest threats to the two billion users of cyber space today who knowingly - or not - store personal information online.
In the run up to the 13th United Nations Crime Congress this April, we are highlighting different crimes, showing their impact on development and how vital it is to tackle them to achieve sustainable development. The focus is now on cybercrime, outlining the scale of the problem and telling its transnational story.
Cybercrime has become increasingly easy to commit and harder for law enforcement to stop as technology advances. Developing countries, in particular, lack the capacity to combat cyber-attacks and therefore record higher victimization rates. The need to protect citizens around the world from cybercrime is greater than ever.
Cybercrime is one of the many transnational crimes that will be discussed at the 13th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Doha, Qatar. Held from 12 to 19 April 2015, the Congress will bring together governments, policy-makers and experts to share their experiences and intensify international cooperation in tackling the threat of transnational organized crime. As the international community continues to discuss the post-2015 development agenda, so the Crime Congress will focus on the links between security, justice and the rule of law, and the attainment of a better, more equitable world.
