Conference in HK explores methods to combat IT crimes

Officials vowed on Thursday to explore effective methods to combat digital crime, highlighting the importance of global collaboration as well as innovative and effective prosecution work.

About 100 attendees from about 30 jurisdictions joined the Asia & Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors, stressing the significance of innovation and collaboration in the evolving digital landscape.

Addressing the conference, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu explained the role of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's legal sector in safeguarding residents amid the swiftly evolving landscape of information technology crimes.

Emphasizing Hong Kong's unwavering commitment to combating cybercrime, Lee underscored the paramount importance of securing cyber infrastructure to tackle technology-related crimes, both in the city and globally.

He said related actions would be highly advantageous for all residents in the city, as Hong Kong is an internationally renowned financial hub characterized by unparalleled connectivity and the unimpeded flow of information, capital, goods and individuals, where technology, such as cryptocurrencies and virtual assets, is easily accessible to all.

Lee highlighted the city's various initiatives, including the formulation of specialized legal frameworks addressing cyber-dependent crimes and jurisdictional issues, alongside the organization of professional seminars. A technology crime subdivision within the prosecution division of the Department of Justice was established last year, he noted.

Lee expressed pride in Hong Kong's outstanding prosecutors for their commitment to fairness, impartiality and the rule of law in the pursuit of justice. Even in the face of challenges, they ensure the protection of public interests, Lee said.

He also vowed that Hong Kong will uphold the highest prosecutorial standards, presenting to the global arena a dedicated prosecution service collaborating with other jurisdictions to address the escalating challenges of our technological age.

Tong Jianming, first deputy prosecutor general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of the People's Republic of China, said the conference represents a significant collaborative effort by the central government and the HKSAR to advance prosecutorial cooperation and legal system development in the Asia-Pacific region.

He expressed his desire for the Asia-Pacific region to gain a comprehensive understanding of China's legal system progress, particularly highlighting the SAR's achievements in this domain.

Furthermore, he stressed that mainland prosecutorial bodies are eager to engage in extensive dialogue with other nations, leveraging modern technology to enhance prosecutorial practices and explore effective strategies for combating crime in the digital age together.

By deepening judicial exchanges and cooperation, he said he envisions regions contributing substantial legal prowess toward fostering an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful community in the Asia-Pacific.

Also attending the event, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok reiterated the emphasis of Hong Kong's legal community on international cooperation. The city has signed bilateral agreements with 33 jurisdictions and is involved in 13 multilateral conventions targeting serious crime, facilitating mutual legal assistance.

Lam added that even in the absence of specific bilateral or multilateral arrangements, mutual legal aid may be provided based on reciprocity agreements from the requesting entity.

Through this event, he said he anticipates Hong Kong leveraging collective efforts among various jurisdictions to further enhance international cooperation in crime prevention, specifically advancing collaboration in evidence collection, tracking, seizing and forfeiting proceeds from serious crimes, prosecuting sophisticated criminals and streamlining international cooperation procedures.

He further urged legal professionals to recognize the pivotal role of technological advancements in crime and crime prevention, advocating for adept utilization of modern technology to bolster efforts against criminal activities.

Established in 1995, the IAP is a worldwide organization of prosecutors with more than 183 organizational members from over 177 different countries. Hong Kong hosted its second Asia-Pacific regional conference in September 2007. This year, the conference runs from Wednesday through Friday, with Friday's topic being "The Use of Technology in the Criminal Justice System."