In the wake of evolving crime trends, the Nepal Police have emphasized the need for advanced technological knowledge to tackle modern criminal activities effectively. Speaking at a semi-annual crime review program on February 17, Additional Inspector General (AIG) Kuber Kadayat highlighted the growing complexity of crime investigation in the digital age.
“The old methods of investigation are no longer sufficient. Without technological expertise, investigations remain incomplete,” AIG Kadayat stated. He further added that traditional policing and investigation techniques are increasingly ineffective in solving crimes that now heavily rely on technology.
The Crime Investigation Department (CID) of the Nepal Police recently conducted a semi-annual review of crimes reported during the current fiscal year 2081/82. The review revealed that criminals are adopting new methods, making it challenging for law enforcement to keep up.
Emerging Crime Trends
The CID has identified ten new types of crimes that are becoming prevalent in society. These include cryptocurrency-related crimes, cybercrime, online fraud, honey trapping, online gambling, and digital banking fraud. All these crimes are facilitated through technology, making them harder to trace and prosecute.
For instance, the police have uncovered cases where individuals have illegally invested in cryptocurrency and transferred funds abroad. In one such case, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police discovered that 61 kilograms of gold were smuggled using cryptocurrency as a medium. Similarly, in the Mitra Cooperative case in Lalitpur, former chairperson Bharat Mahajan was found to have embezzled funds and fled to the UK using cryptocurrency.
Online Fraud and Honey Trapping
Online fraud, including honey trapping, has also emerged as a significant challenge. In a recent incident, a woman named Smita Acharya was arrested for luring a man under the pretext of repairing an electric rice cooker and then blackmailing him with false rape allegations.
Online gambling and betting have also seen a surge. In a recent operation, the police arrested 51 Indian nationals involved in an online gambling racket worth NPR 6 billion. The group used Kathmandu as a base to operate their illegal activities and transferred the money to India.
Digital Banking Fraud
Digital banking fraud has become another major concern. Criminals are increasingly targeting digital wallets and online banking services. In one notable case, hackers infiltrated the system of F1 Soft, a digital payment service provider, and transferred NPR 3.51 crore from Citizens Bank to foreign accounts.
Police Struggling with Technological Gaps
Despite the rise in tech-driven crimes, the Nepal Police face a significant shortage of personnel trained in technology and IT. AIG Kadayat emphasized the need for recruiting tech-savvy individuals into the police force. “In the next five years, if we do not recruit IT experts into our investigation units, solving crimes will become increasingly difficult,” he warned.
Currently, only a few police units are equipped to handle cybercrimes, and most cases are referred to the Central Cyber Bureau. However, the lack of trained personnel at the district level has hindered effective investigations.
Adopting AI for Crime Investigation
To address these challenges, the Nepal Police have started incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their investigative processes. The police recently purchased AI-based business intelligence tools worth NPR 9.11 crore from an Indian company. Fifteen police personnel have already been trained in Pune, India, to operate these tools.
The AI tools are expected to analyze crime data, predict future crime trends, and provide actionable insights for law enforcement. “These tools will not only analyze crime data but also predict future challenges and suggest strategies to address them,” said DIG Arun Bhandari, head of the Police Computer Service Directorate.
Future Plans
The CID has proposed a new recruitment strategy focused on hiring individuals with a background in science and IT. The department aims to build a team of tech-savvy investigators capable of handling the complexities of modern crime.
As crime continues to evolve, the Nepal Police are determined to adapt and modernize their approach. However, the success of these efforts will largely depend on the timely implementation of technological solutions and the recruitment of skilled personnel.
In conclusion, the rise of technology-driven crimes poses a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies worldwide. For Nepal, the path forward lies in embracing technology, enhancing training, and building a robust framework to combat the ever-changing landscape of crime.
