On 9 and 10 March 2023, the Information Systems and Digital Agency (ASIN), with the support of the Council of Europe and the Interpol General Secretariat through the “Global Action on Cybercrime Extended” (GLACY+) project, organised a consultative and training workshop on the tracing, investigation, seizure and confiscation of proceeds of online crime.
Over two (02) days, representatives of the public authorities responsible for enforcing laws and regulations, as well as those responsible for producing and disseminating knowledge based on laws and regulations, were briefed by Interpol experts on knowledge, expertise and best practices in investigating cybercrime and financial crime. They were trained on the modus operandi of money laundering using virtual assets and on response mechanisms for effectively investigating, seizing and confiscating the proceeds of offences committed online.
Participants in the workshop included:
- Representatives of the special units of the Republican Police: the Central Office for the Repression of Cybercrime (OCRC) and Interpol NCB
- Magistrates
- Representatives of the Information Systems and Digital Agency (ASIN)
- The National Financial Intelligence Processing Unit (CeNTIF)
- Professors of law and criminal sciences
Mr Ouanilo MEDEGAN FAGLA, Head of ASIN's Digital Security Division, welcomed the holding of this training workshop which, he recalled, is the result of the partnership agreement between Global Action on Cybercrime Extended (GLACY+) and the Republic of Benin.
At the close of the workshop, Mr Marc André LOKO, Director General of the Information Systems and Digital Agency (ASIN), thanked the group of experts before recalling the importance of combating online financial crime because of its negative impact on the people and economy of Benin. He also stated that the Government is stepping up its commitment to put in place an appropriate strategy to reduce the risk of cybercrime. Finally, the Director General called on all stakeholders to strengthen cooperation, which is an important lever in this fight.