Guidelines for addressing problems and obstacles of Technology Crime Suppression Division Officers

A case study of online fraud offences

Abstract

The objectives of this study are 1) to identify the patterns of online fraud offences, 2) to examine problems and obstacles that Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) officers have encountered in their work related to online fraud offences, and 3) to propose a guideline for addressing those problems for TCSD officers investigating online fraud offences. A qualitative research method was employed to collect data through in-depth interviews with a total of 10 key informants. The retention period is 5 months.

According to research findings, it was found that the most prevalent pattern of online fraud is an online shopping scam. There were five aspects of the problems and obstacles that the TCSD officers encountered in their investigation on online fraud offences, including 1) the delay of documentary evidence collection from external agencies, 2) IP address identification for offender tracking, 3) the work efficiency of TCSD police officers, 4) the complexity of online fraud offences, and 5) legislation and punishment. Therefore, this research recommended four aspects of guidelines to help address the problems and obstacles, including 1) inter-agency cooperation and collaboration, 2) the development of technological knowledge and skills for TCSD officers, 3) law enforcement and more severe punishment, and 4) prevention campaign and awareness-raising for the public.