The Metropolitan Police Service has revealed what it says is the largest cybercrime unit in Europe, dubbed FALCON.
Fraud and Linked Crime Online (FALCON) actually started work in August, but is only being launched officially today.
Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, commissioner of the MPS, said: “FALCON will see the Met have the best and, I believe, largest cybercrime and fraud team in Europe, with up to 500 specialist officers dedicated to tackling this crime.”
FALCON will investigate the use of malware, phishing attacks, DDoS and network intrusion, especially among organised crime gangs, although reporting will still fall to the National Fraud Reporting Authority.
It won’t look at cyberbullying or harassment, and won’t cover online child abuse or other crimes that fall under the remit of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre.
The goal is to boost cybercrime arrests and charges, but also to help improve victim care – including showing those hurt by online crime how to seek compensation.
FALCON will also work with businesses to improve security, noting that, out of 17,000 reports of fraud in the past year, 54% of have been “cyber-enabled” and 30% have been against businesses.
“FALCON sees a more focused and joined-up approach by the Met, the business industry and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that we are protecting the public, designing out the crime and arresting the culprits,” said Sir Hogan-Howe.
“We will be more powerful if the three of us can work together – the police, the public and businesses.”
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