I couldn't get a cab ride here. Of course, all the cab drivers are now on
CNN filling in as Middle East experts.Nixon and Hearmeyer allegedly
suffered death threats online in 2001.
Hi-tech force for Net crime
By IAN HABERFIELD and SHELLEY HODGSON
23mar03
AUSTRALIA is to have a single hi-tech national crime-fighting body to track
down child pornographers, organised crime and pedophilia on the Internet.
It is believed federal, state and territory police commissioners will agree
to the new body at a meeting this week.
Australia's new state-of-the-art internet crime unit will be loosely
modelled on Britain's National Hi-Tech Crime Unit.
It will link computer-crime and sex-crime units across Australia, ending
cross-border jurisdiction problems that have hampered police in the past.
It will investigate computer hacking, industrial espionage, organised
pedophilia, intellectual property theft, money laundering and violent
crimes, such as kidnapping.
The unit will gather intelligence, co-ordinate investigations and support
local law enforcement agencies.
And it will liaise with the information technology industry, including
internet service providers, telecommunications companies, security industry
and software firms.
Victorian Police Minister Andre Haermeyer and Queensland Police Minister
Tony McGrady are understood to be strong supporters of the unit.
The Australian Federal Police and Mr Haermeyer confirmed yesterday the new
unit would be formed.
"It's only in its infancy, but yes, we are working towards a new national
hi-tech crime unit," Mr Haermeyer said.
"Our chief commissioner (Christine Nixon) will be on the board.
"It's a body that Australia needs if we are to combat organised crime,
whether it be hackers, child pornographers, money launderers or fraudsters.
"The nature of crime, with new technology, has changed dramatically and we
need this unit to help us keep pace.
"It will remove jurisdictional barriers and allow the free flow of
information that will help our police track down the many organised
criminals using the Internet.
"Let's face it, criminals don't stop at state borders and a national
approach will make it much more difficult for them to continue their
operations.
"There are still many issues to be resolved surrounding its formation, but
I'm confident that at the end of the day, a new national hi-tech crime unit
will become a reality."
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,6168300%255E662,00
.html
