Thaindian News

NEW YORK CITY (BNO NEWS) – The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday the formation of the Cybercrime and Identity Theft Bureau.

This bureau will re-focus, enhance and expand the resources and abilities of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to combat identity theft and complex high-technology crimes, including terrorist activity and child exploitation.

David Szuchman was appointed as Chief of the new Bureau who was recently the Director of the State of New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

Federal statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice show a 33 percent increase in cybercrime complaints in 2008. The use of internet in all manner of criminal conduct has increased, including money laundering, check fraud, cyber impersonation, and cyber-credit card fraud, as well as cyber-stalking and cyber-bullying, which victimize children and adults.

In addition to these crimes, the new Bureau will be supporting investigations into the exploitation of children, child pornography, human trafficking, hacking and attempted hacking of financial institutions.

“Today’s announcement reflects the Office’s commitment to protecting the public by staying a step ahead of criminals,” Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. said. “By recognizing the growing role of technology in complex criminal schemes, and by enhancing our abilities to use cutting-edge technology against such schemes, we will improve our efforts to investigate, prosecute, and prevent such crimes.”

“The internet is truly the crime scene of the 21st century – its borderless nature makes it easier for criminals and predators from all over the globe to target victims anywhere and everywhere. The challenge for law enforcement is to make sure we have the tools to combat these sophisticated criminals,” he added.