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Tunis, Tunisia – 24 March 2021

Tunisia marks an extra step ahead in its path towards stopping cybercrime as UNODC provides the Ministry of Interior with 200,000 USD worth of forensic equipment and software under the framework of the “Supporting Tunisian Capacities to Prevent and Combat Cybercrime” project funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

The provision of the high-end digital forensic equipment and software, dedicated for the use of the General Direction of Technical Service and the General Direction of National Guard, is part of long-term cooperation to support Tunisia in effectively responding to and preventing cybercrime.

Mr. Jalal Ben Abdelkader, Director of Multilateral Cooperation at the Tunisian Ministry of Interior affirmed at the delivery ceremony that “The risk and severity of cyber-attacks have clearly grown over the past few years. Partnerships are essential in this fight against cybercrime, we all face the same enemy.”

“I would like to thank the Government of Tunisia for its outstanding partnership and collaboration, as well as the U.S. Government for the generous financial contribution that makes the Counter cybercrime Program possible and reality in Tunisia. In Tunisia, UNODC works with national and international partners in a wide range of areas related to drug control, crime, and terrorism prevention, including the fight against cybercrime.” Ms. Cristina Albertin, Regional Representative of UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa reflected.

Mr. William McCormack, Senior Police Advisor from the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Tunis added at the ceremony that “The fight against cybercrime remains a key priority for the United States of America, I would like to praise the efforts of the Tunisian government and UNODC to fight cybercrime. Much work remains to be done to ensure continuous development in response to new threats and challenges in cyberspace”.

The “Supporting Tunisian Capacities to Prevent and Combat Cybercrime” project, funded by the Government of the United States of America, through INL was initially launched in February 2016. Following the project’s great achievements in supporting the Tunisian institutions by providing sustainable and long-lasting results in the prevention of cybercrimes, the project was extended to a second phase starting February 2019 proceeding with its accomplishment and success.

In the framework of the 2^nd phase of the INL funded project, UNODC continued to provide all means of support to the Tunisian Ministry of Interior’s specialized units. Such cooperation was featured not only in the delivery of the required equipment and software but also by implementing many certified trainings on the use of forensic software to extract and analyze data from digital evidence as well as capacities building training to enhance the technical skills and knowledge of relevant law enforcement officers and trainings in specialized fields like cryptocurrency to further advance the core investigative skills on blockchain analysis and seizure.

Under the overall objective of preventing and combatting cybercrime, UNODC is always keen to assist Tunisia and other countries in the MENA region by providing required equipment and trainings to promote the technical skills, knowledge and practice of relevant national law enforcement agencies and analysts in this sector.

For more information:

COVID-19: Cyber Threat Analysis (MENA Assesment and Actions) (AR)(ENG) (FR)

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