Govt establishes National Cybercrime Investigation Agency

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has taken a significant step in combating cybercrime by establishing the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

The Hum Investigation Team (HIT) has obtained a copy of a proposed piece of law, which heralds a focused effort to address cybercrimes proliferating on the internet and social media platforms.

According to the proposed law, all employees currently serving in the FIA Cyber Wing will be seconded to the newly formed agency for a period of one year. The agency will operate within the framework provided by the Cyber Crime Act and will undertake the investigation of cases and inquiries previously handled by the FIA.

“The NCCIA shall consist of a Director General, Additional Director General directors, Additional Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors and such other officers as the Director General may determine.”

Key provisions of the proposed law include the stipulation that the Director General (DG) of the Cyber Crime Agency must be a grade 21 or 22 officer, appointed for a tenure of two years.

The DG will wield powers equivalent to those of an Inspector General of Police, underlining the seriousness with which cybercrimes are being addressed.

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Inspired by the organizational structures of renowned cybercrime agencies in the UK and US, the establishment of the Cyber Crime Agency signifies a commitment to adopting best practices in this crucial domain.