2024 Sees a Surge in Cybercrimes, with Over 1,000 Cases in Angola

Luanda — In a significant development regarding cybercrime in Angola, the Criminal Investigation Services (SIC) revealed alarming statistics, reporting that a total of 1,430 cybercrimes had been recorded in the country this year. This disclosure was made by Gilberto Vunge, the Director of the Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence Office of the Attorney General’s Office, during his address at the 2nd National Conference on Cybercrime in Luanda. The figures represent an escalation in cybercrime activity, with the crimes falling under various categories, including 654 incidents of computer fraud, 525 cases of identity theft or the fraudulent attribution of false identities, 206 instances of illegal access to computer systems, and 45 cases of sextortion (online sexual coercion).

Vunge shared additional details about several major criminal cases that have been investigated, which led to the arrest of 85 individuals from multiple countries. These arrests followed the discovery of two hotels being used as operations hubs for cybercriminals, along with the seizure of 300 mobile phones, 300 computers, and millions in both national and foreign currency. These seizures underscore the scale and financial impact of the operations orchestrated by cybercriminals. According to Vunge, the network behind these cybercrimes has international ramifications, as the masterminds of these schemes are believed to be located in regions such as Africa, South America, and the Middle East. This international dimension highlights the increasingly transnational nature of cybercrime, making it a challenge for law enforcement agencies to track and apprehend offenders.

Vunge further emphasized that the sectors most affected by cybercrimes in Angola are telecommunications, finance, e-commerce, and cybersecurity. Of particular concern is the banking sector, which has been subjected to numerous cyberattacks. These incidents have prompted the Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence Office of the Attorney General’s Office to take proactive measures in monitoring and intercepting any unauthorized access attempts in an effort to protect sensitive financial data and prevent financial loss.

The alarming rise in cybercrime has led Vunge to call for more coordinated and swift actions to combat these threats. He stressed the need for significant investment in technology to strengthen Angola’s digital defenses and called for extensive training programs aimed at equipping cybersecurity professionals with the skills needed to confront this growing menace. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of reinforcing national data protection laws and policies, which remain critical in safeguarding individuals’ personal information and securing digital transactions.

Vunge also advocated for closer international cooperation, which he believes is vital for tackling cross-border cybercrime. He noted the necessity for legal literacy programs that promote awareness about digital security practices among the public, alongside the adoption of global frameworks, such as the Budapest Convention, which provides a set of standards and guidelines for combating cybercrime. Furthermore, Vunge urged for the modernization and adaptation of Angola’s legal system to address the challenges posed by evolving technologies, including issues related to cyberspace governance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies. As technology advances, he stressed that the laws must keep pace to provide adequate legal mechanisms for prosecuting cybercriminals.

The 2nd National Conference on Cybercrime, a two-day event organized by the Attorney General’s Office in collaboration with Pentinalli Investigations, served as an important platform for discussing these critical issues. The conference brought together a range of experts to analyze the rapid rise of cybercrime in Angola and beyond. Among the key topics under discussion were “Formal and Informal International Cooperation in the Field of Cybercrime,” “The Statute of the Defendant in Cybercrime: Protection of Rights and Judicial Efficiency,” and “The Role of Financial Intelligence in Combating Cybercrime.” These discussions aimed to deepen the understanding of the scope of cybercrime and to develop more effective strategies for prevention, investigation, and prosecution.

By hosting this conference, the government of Angola is demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing cybercrime comprehensively. The conference not only highlighted the severity of the situation but also emphasized the importance of collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and international partners to strengthen the country’s cyber defenses. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the need for more robust legal frameworks, better technological infrastructure, and a more informed public has never been more critical in the fight against cybercrime.