India: UNODC enhances law enforcement capacities and responses to confront cyber threats heads-on

New Delhi, India/August 11, 2023: Cryptocurrencies and darknet investigations represent a critical frontier in the battle against cybercrime for Indian law enforcement officials. Cryptocurrencies have opened new avenues for financial anonymity that can be exploited by criminals for illicit activities such as money laundering and ransomware attacks.

At the same time, the darknet serves as a breeding ground for illegal trade, cyberattacks, and data breaches, allowing criminals to operate with a cloak of secrecy.

To effective respond to these threats and bring criminals to justice, enhancing capacities and knowledge of law enforcement agencies on the various complexities of the cyber realms is crucial.

In this context, UNODC conducted a five-day training with the support of the US State Department, designed to equip Indian law enforcement officials with comprehensive insights on a range of topics, including internet fundamentals, cryptocurrencies and wallets, Ethereum and Metaverse, and Web3 Trends. A hands-on approach was adopted to foster proficiency in investigation and seizing procedures, ensuring that participants are sensitized on real-world cyber threats.

Exchanging insights and experiences, officials from India’s Narcotics Control Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency and others delved into the intricacies of cryptocurrencies and darknet investigations.

Mr. Marco Teixeira, UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia said, "The training empowered officials to grasp diverse mechanisms and technology, bolstering their responses against cybercrime–from crypto to darknet--and help them tackle cyber challenges head-on."

The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills armed law enforcement officials with the tools they needed to confront emerging cyber threats. The training also focused on the rise of new technologies in the facilitation of trafficking of opioids and synthetic drugs over the Internet.

This activity contributed to SDG 3, SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/

(Funded by US State Department)