Photo: Business Daily

The Tanzanian government has moved to review the ICT policy in a bid to eliminate cyber crime(file photo).

INCREASED use of e-banking and other computer-based transactions has catapulted cases of cyber crime, which are often complicated in investigation and prosecution, it was said in Dar es Salaam.

The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr Eliezer Feleshi, said offences involving hi-tech include money laundering and financing of terrorism.

Dr Feleshi, who was opening a four-day Commonwealth East Africa Prosecution and Police Training Programme, said development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), especially emergence of the internet has brought new challenges.

"Basically all transactions are taking place online, without physically seeing the person. Criminals have found the internet less controlled and see it as a place where they can commit crimes anonymously," he explained.

Dr Feleshi said the workshop has come at a right time, as it covers challenges and techniques needed for investigation and prosecution of new types of crimes. He said the training will enhance knowledge and skills of participants, increase their competence in areas that will be discussed.

The training which is part of an on-going Prosecution and Police Training Programme sponsored by the Commonwealth Secretariat will benefit several African countries including Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania.

Commonwealth Secretariat, Head of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Division, Ms Shirani de Fontgalland said it is important to work as a team in fighting cyber crime. She said the programme is sustainable and participants are encouraged to employ the techniques at their working stations.

"It is very important to work together as a team with all stakeholders involved to be able to beat cyber crime," she explained.