Call for multi sector offensive against cybercrimes

Public private partnership model is crucial to help fight transnational cybercrimes and new threats emerging globally, a senior official from Qatar's Ministry of Interior (MoI) said Friday.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) at the 13th UN Crime Congress, MoI International Relations Director and National Committee for Counter Terrorism Chairman, Major General Abdulaziz Al Ansari said, "A multi sector strategy involving government, civil societies, public, private and technical entities would help fight emerging transnational cyber and new forms of crimes." The State of Qatar is concerned with the spectre of new emerging transnational crimes and gives top priority to mitigate them. Terrorism, cultural property, trafficking in persons and weapons affect stability and security of the world, he said.

"Cybercrimes is a global menace as they are committed across international borders. The impact of electronic criminal activity done from one country could be felt in another country. So preventing, policing and delivering justice for such crimes is difficult since it involves multiple agencies in different countries," Major General Al Ansari said.

Qatar has taken effective measures to deal with cybercrimes. "Last year, the Government of Qatar promulgated a comprehensive cybercrime law that covers all aspects, including anti-viruses and malwares planted into systems network to steal sensitive information," he said.

The law came after an in-depth study and inputs from relevant authorities. The punishment for offenders is commensurate with the severity of the crime, he said.

He reiterated this in his remarks at the UN Crime Congress meeting today on 'Comprehensive and Balanced Approaches to Prevent and Respond to New and Emerging Form of Transnational Crime'.

"Addressing transnational crimes is critical," he told the meeting. "Qatar has set up an effective mechanism to deal with cybercrimes. A multi-sector approach involving public, private and civil societies besides regional and international co-operation is vital." "A concerted international effort is required. We need to co-operate, exchange information and expertise to weed out criminals engaging in cybercrimes. Unless we co-operate we will not succeed," he told QNA.