This week EUPOL COPPS donated equipment to the internet investigations team, part of the Cybercrime department of the Palestinian Civil Police in Ramallah.

The Cybercrime department exists since 2016 and currently employs about 25 people. Cybercrime knows no borders, and the Palestinian Territory is no exception.

Over 93% of Palestinians (over 10 years of age) in the West Bank have access to internet, and more than 86% own a cell phone, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, 2022.

Cybercrime is an important subject for the Palestinian Civil Police. In 2022 alone, the Cybercrime department dealt with more than 5000 cases. Consequently, Cybercrime remains one of the main priorities of EUPOL COPPS.

The Head of the PCP Cybercrime Department stated that the donation is a major contribution to the department, especially when it comes to investigating crimes involving violence against women and children.  Previously, only a limited number of police offers at a time could work at the same time on internet investigations. With this donation the efficiency of the department is greatly improved.