By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) for South Africa that will allow the unit to have direct access to Interpol’s information system.
“The MoU will strengthen the SIU’s investigating tools of trade and access to data systems to combat cybercrimes. Interpol NCB will provide the SIU with up-to-date training resources. The Interpol NCB has a network of data systems in 195 countries that the SIU can tap into,” the SIU said in a statement.
The agreement was signed by SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi and Interpol NCB’s Brigadier Ntime Mokhine.
The SIU revealed more on the MoU and how this will strengthen the unit’s hand during investigations.
“Advocate Mothibi said that this MoU is aligned with the SIU’s current cybercrimes and data analytics vision and the previous agreements that the SIU has signed to build data analytics and forensics capacity, especially in the war against transnational organised crimes. This will also provide the SIU with access to locate people outside of South Africa that the SIU needs to subpoena for questioning related to investigations.
Cybercrime is a massive problem in South Africa and law enforcement has in the past fumbled the bag. In recent years, the ability to fight crime online has improved.
Earlier this year a massive, multi-national operation saw several arrests related to cybercrime happening across the African continent. Just last month, the South African Police Services arrested three men after working with the Department of Homeland Security in the US to discover the sharing of child sexual abuse material online.
It’s encouraging then to see more collaboration from local law enforcement and international bodies, added Mothibi.
Brigadier Mokhine explained that the importance of this MoU paves the way for Interpol to build relationships with South African law enforcement agencies while enabling Law Enforcement entities to extend their international reach.”
Furthermore, the MoU’s ripple effects extend beyond augmenting the SIU’s capabilities. It positions South Africa as an active participant in the global fight against cybercrimes, fostering a symbiotic relationship between national and international law enforcement agencies.