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International Cybercrime Award for National Crime Squad's Virtual Global Taskforce
9 August 2005
The National Crime Squad's Paedophile Online Investigation Team is to receive the International Law Enforcement Cybercrime Award 2005 for leading the Virtual Global Taskforce initiative, it was announced by the Society for the Policing of Cyberspace (POLCYB) today.
The award recognises innovation and best practice in the prevention and detection of cybercrime. It will be presented to the Chair of the Taskforce and Deputy Director General of the National Crime Squad, Jim Gamble, in November at the Policing Cyberspace International Summit 2005 in Guangzhou, China.
The Virtual Global Taskforce brings together law enforcement and industry from around the world to fight online child abuse. Its mission is to identify, locate, and rescue children from abuse, hold offenders to account and make the online environment a safer place. Law enforcement members include the National Crime Squad for England and Wales, the Australian High Tech Crime Centre, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the US Department of Homeland Security and Interpol. Industry partners include Microsoft, MSN, AOL(UK), BT and Vodafone.
Chair of the Taskforce, Jim Gamble, said; "I am delighted that the international law enforcement community has formally recognised the value of the Virtual Global Taskforce. The Taskforce brings together law enforcement agencies and industry from around the world in a unique partnership which protects and empowers children online. Many congratulations to all those involved in making the Taskforce a success."
Camille de Stempel, Director of Policy for AOL (UK), said; "This is a great example of how law enforcement and industry working side-by-side can have a positive impact on the experiences of younger Internet users."
Natalie Mead, Head of Image and Reputation, MSN UK added, "Microsoft commends the Taskforce's vision and proactive approach. We look forward to continuing our support of the VGT in their efforts to make the Internet a safer place for children."
Tina Southall, Director of Content Standards for Vodafone added; "This is a positive partnership between law enforcement and industry and the first attempt to really protect children online."
Notes for editors
For further information please contact the Press Centre on 0870 268 8100 or email press.office@ncs.police.uk.
"Online child abuse" includes searching for, sharing, publishing online and downloading images of children being abused. It also includes approaching a child online for the purpose of sexually abusing that child either on or offline (i.e. "grooming").
The Society for the Policing of Cyberspace is a Canadian non-profit organisation whose goal it is to develop global partnerships between criminal justice and corporate security professionals. For more information visit www.polcyb.org