Meeting of Commonwealth
Law Ministers and Senior Officials
Gaborone, Botswana: 5–8 May 2014
Agenda Item 3(i)
LMM (14)14
REPORT OF THE COMMONWEALTH WORKING GROUP OF EXPERTS ON
CYBERCRIME
Paper by the Commonwealth Secretariat
Background
1.
It will be recalled that at their last Meeting in Sydney, Australia, in 2011, Law
Ministers considered two presentations on cybercrime in a High Level Ministerial Panel
Discussion. The papers underscored the proliferation of digital technology and the
convergence of computing and communication devices which have provided a range of
opportunities to be exploited for criminal purposes. It was apparent that revolutionary
developments in information communication technologies (ICTs) have brought many social,
cultural, political and economic benefits. However, equally, these technologies have brought
new opportunities for crime and new interests that can be threatened by crime. The meeting
heard of legislation, specialist agencies and awareness-raising material developed in
Australia, Botswana and Canada among others, noting that the issues were of equal
importance to all member countries.
2.
There was a sharing of the experiences of many jurisdictions regarding the significant
challenges cybercrime presents to national security, to law enforcement, to individuals and
to businesses. Ministers noted the existence of a comprehensive international instrument,
the Council of Europe’s 2001 Convention on Cybercrime, work on which led to the
preparation of the Commonwealth draft Model Law on Computer and Computer-Related
Crime in 2002, and to regional efforts in West Africa.
3.
Ministers resolved to recognise the significant threat cybercrime poses to national
security and law enforcement in all countries of the Commonwealth, and mandated the
Commonwealth Secretariat to form a multidisciplinary working group of experts to:
Review the practical implications of cybercrime in the Commonwealth
Identify the most effective means of international cooperation and enforcement,
taking into account, amongst others, the Council of Europe Convention on
Cybercrime, without duplicating the work of other international bodies
1