Forwarded From: William Knowles <erehwon@kizmiaz.dis.org>
WASHINGTON (December 15, 1998 11:46 a.m. EST
http://www.nandotimes.com) -- Efforts to combat international crime went
high-tech Tuesday, with top law- enforcement officials from the world's
wealthiest nations holding their first conference in cyberspace.
"One of the advantages of keeping in touch by video link is the
flexibility which it gives us," said British Home Secretary Jack Straw,
who sponsored the talks.
The opening of the meeting was monitored by The Associated Press in U.S.
Attorney General Janet Reno's office. The rest of the conference was held
over secure digital voice links.
Justice and interior ministers from eight major industrial countries --
Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and
Russia -- met last year in Washington to discuss the threat posed by
organized crime.
They agreed to improve investigation and prosecution of international
crime and to coordinate the extradition of suspects.
"Looking back over the last 12 months, we can point to important
achievements," Straw said from London.
These include the setting up of a 24-hour network of law enforcement
experts capable of responding quickly to requests for help with
investigations that cross international borders, he said.
"I particularly look forward to the discussion today of international
cyber-crime," Reno said. "Using computers, criminals can now cross
international borders so easily to commit financial fraud and disrupt
government and private sector activities."
The video-conference also dealt with money laundering, smuggling of
illegal immigrants, corruption and blocking the funding of terrorism.
-o-
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Received on Wed Dec 16 08:37:10 1998