High-Level Justice Department Official Addresses INTERPOL on Cyber and Financial Crime

Photograph courtesy of INTERPOL.

On July 13, 2017, Sujit Raman, who serves as Associate Deputy Attorney General of the United States, addressed a high-level working group on countering cyber and financial crime sponsored by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). In his position, Raman assists the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General in their oversight of all cyber-related investigations and prosecutions in the United States, and manages all cyber-related policy development in the U.S. Department of Justice.

Over two days, representatives from law enforcement, financial, telecommunications and Internet sectors participated in the conference called “Countering Cyber and Financial Crime: A High-level Dialogue for a New Governance Architecture.” The group’s mission was to develop recommendations for streamlining the global response to escalating cyber and financial crime threats.

During his remarks, Raman reinforced the importance of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, which is the first international treaty on crimes committed via the Internet and other computer networks. It deals specifically with copyright infringement, computer-related fraud, child pornography, hate crimes, and violations of network security. Its main purpose is to pursue a common criminal policy aimed at the protection of society against cybercrime, especially by adopting appropriate legislation and fostering international cooperation.

Raman called the Budapest Convention “the governance architecture to address internet crime.” He said that there is no need for a new international cyber agreement, as called for by some countries. He called for countries to “focus on capacity building and training efforts proven so successful in facilitating law enforcement operations and partnerships.” He also lauded INTERPOL’s efforts in building capacity by training police and promoting universal participation in the fight against cyber-crime.

The video of Raman’s remarks is available for viewing on the INTERPOL website.

A long-time federal prosecutor, Associate Deputy Attorney General Raman has led a number of international fraud, public corruption, and national security matters, and has particular expertise in dealing with the implications of technology on criminal and national security investigations. He was educated at Harvard College, Harvard Law School, and the University of Bristol (UK), where he studied as a Marshall Scholar.