Russia Leads International Efforts to Combat ICT Crime

Strategic Insights -

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation has played a significant role in the negotiations of the UN Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Committee to Elaborate a Comprehensive International Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communication Technologies for Criminal Purposes. The committee, established in 2019 with the co-authorship of 46 states, has made significant progress in developing the first international instrument to combat ICT crime. With over 160 UN member states participating, the committee has achieved a major milestone by adopting a draft universal treaty.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Committee was established in 2019 with the co-authorship of 46 states by the UN General Assembly resolution 74/247, at the initiative of the Russian Federation.
  • The committee has held 8 sessions, attended by experts from over 160 UN member states, representing political and law enforcement structures.
  • The Russian delegation, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, played an active role in the negotiations, with representatives from various ministries, including the Prosecutor General's Office, the Investigative Committee, and the Ministry of Digital Development.
  • The adopted draft treaty aims to establish a network of national contact centers in 24/7 mode to provide assistance in preventing, suppressing, and investigating illegal acts, including the exchange of electronic evidence.
  • The Convention will lay the legal basis for establishing and strengthening cooperation between law enforcement agencies of the participating states in the field of combating information crime.
  • The treaty aims to implement the key principles of the UN Charter, including the sovereign equality of states and non-interference in internal affairs, through the expansion of international cooperation between competent agencies in the information space.

Statistics:

  • 8 sessions were held by the UN Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Committee.
  • Over 160 UN member states participated in the negotiations.
  • 46 co-authoring states contributed to the establishment of the committee.
  • The adoption of the draft universal treaty represents a major milestone in combating ICT crime.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation