OSCE Centre helps prosecutors fight cybercrime in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, 5 November 2013 - A two-day training seminar for prosecutors on countering cybercrime began today in Astana. The course, which is led by national and international experts, focuses on global issues related to cybercrime, in particular the increasing misuse of advanced computer systems by various criminal groups.

Some 30 prosecutors from across the country attended the event co-organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana and the Institute of the Prosecutor General’s Office with the aim to enhance their capacity to prosecute cybercrime cases.

Course materials included best practices and techniques related to cybercrime investigation and prosecution, anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism.

“Since 2005, the OSCE has supported activities aimed at combating cybercrime and the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes,” said Ambassador Natalia Zarudna, Head of Centre. “At the same time, we pay special attention to ensuring that efforts to combat cybercrime would not serve as an excuse for restricting fundamental freedoms and human rights, most specifically freedom of expression.”

Saltanat Tursynbekova, Director of the Institute of the Prosecutor General’s Office, said: "The invisibility of cybercriminals and their capacity to secure remote access to protected information of personal, official, military and financial nature make such crimes highly attractive to members of the underworld. The aim of today’s event is to help law enforcement promptly and adequately respond to such crimes."

The training is part of the OSCE Centre’s activities on anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism, and preventing the use of the Internet for criminal purposes.