Lee sees HK role in global fight against cybercrime

Marcus Lum

John Lee Ka-chiu expressed pride in the SAR's prosecutors, saying the city will showcase its professional prosecution services while combating technology crimes.

Speaking at the Asia and Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors, Lee said it was an honor for the SAR to host the conference again after a 20-year interval.

"Hong Kong, I want you to know, has come a long way over these past two decades," the Chief Executive told attendees.

The courts in Hong Kong exercise their judicial power independently and are free from any interference, he said.

"Our prosecutors pursue justice with integrity, professionalism and passion, and we are deeply committed to international cooperation in the fight against crime."

Lee added that the city will continue to pursue the highest prosecutorial standards and bring a dedicated prosecution service to the world.

Lee noted that technology crimes and criminals using cryptocurrencies and virtual assets are on the rise, as the city is a "highly developed international financial center where technology is easily accessible by all."

"That's why Hong Kong places great emphasis on the security of cyber infrastructure, in fighting technology crime, locally and internationally," he said.

The Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong's Cybercrime Subcommittee has proposed to tackle cyber-dependent crimes, ranging from the illegal interference and interception of computer data and systems to possessing devices for committing a crime, Lee said.

Paul Lam Ting-kwok, the Secretary for Justice, suggested enhancing international cooperation to combat technology crimes.

Lam said that an important aspect of international cooperation was the sharing of knowledge and experience.

He said there will be five plenary sessions in the next two days of the conference, covering topics such as law reform to combat technological crimes, the changing landscape and challenges of decentralization from social media to virtual assets, and the impact of technological advancements on criminal evidence and procedure.

"Our overriding objective is not only to prevent, suppress and punish such misuses and abuses but also to outwit the criminals by becoming better users of modern technology, and make modern technology our close ally in our war against the criminals," Lam added.

marcus.lum@singtaonewscorp.com