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Integrated
Technological Crime Unit (ITCU) |
Computer
crimes have become increasingly common due to the prevalence of computers
today. As technology advances and becomes more sophisticated, so does
computer-based crime. Computers 
have been
used for embezzlement, money laundering, fraud, organized crime and various
other illegal activities.
In order to
combat serious computer-based crimes, "O” Division formed the ITCU in
1998. The Unit’s mission is to investigate what is known as pure computer
crimes, to provide forensic expertise in computer-assisted crime
investigations, and to investigate significant cyber crime incidents.
The ITCU
members have a wide range of policing experience, which is an asset in both the
forensic examination of data and in cyber crime investigations. The Unit also
employs several civilian members who assist in the research and implementation
of new technologies to aid in investigations. Members of the ITCU have strong
computer backgrounds and are continually upgrading their skills to stay on top
of the ever changing world of technology.
Pure
Computer Crimes
Under the Criminal
Code of Canada there are two categories of pure computer crimes:
1. Mischief to Data (C.C.
Sec. 430):
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destroying or altering data;
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rendering data meaningless, useless,
or ineffective;
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obstructing, interrupting, or
interfering with the lawful use of data;
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obstructing,
interrupting, or interfering with any person in the lawful use of data or
denying access to data to any person who is entitled to access.
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2. Unauthorized Use of a
Computer (C.C. Sec. 342.1):
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fraudulently obtaining, directly or
indirectly, any computer service;
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by means of an electro-magnetic,
acoustic, mechanical or other device, intercepting or causing to be
intercepted, directly or indirectly, any function of a computer system;
§
using or causing
to be used, directly or indirectly, a computer system with intent to commit an
offence in relation to data or a computer system.
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Examples of pure computer crime include: • unauthorized access to a computer system |
Computer-Assisted
Crimes
In the field
of forensics, the ITCU has the important role of assisting RCMP investigative
units in the search, seizure and analysis of computing devices used in the
commission of crimes. Computer-assisted crime involves the use of a computer as
a tool to aid in the commission of traditional offences. In addition to
providing investigative support in computer-assisted crimes, the ITCU also
provides expert testimony and evidence in criminal court, based on the analysis
conducted. Some traditional offences committed with the assistance of computers
include:
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drug trafficking
§
national security threats
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smuggling of illegal immigrants
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distribution of child pornography
Cyber Crime
Cyber crime,
also known as net crime, is defined as malicious activity utilizing or directed
towards the internet and/or information technology applications. One type of
cyber crime is a Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack. This
is an attack on a computer system or network that causes a loss of service to
users. A DoS attack could, for example, result in
online retailers losing significant amounts of revenue. Other examples include
defacement of web pages, computer hacking, and spreading computer viruses.
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Did You Know...? |
Reporting
Computer Crimes
Most pure
computer crimes and computer-assisted crimes should be reported to the local
police force of jurisdiction, but if you have information on unauthorized
access to a computer system, misuse of digital data or possession of equipment
or passwords facilitating this type of offence, please contact the RCMP
Integrated Technological Crime Unit.
If you have
any questions or comments,
please do not hesitate to contact us by
one of the following methods:
Email: itcu@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
This device, an "ImageMASSter", is used
to clone or sterilize a computer hard drive.
Royal
Canadian Mounted Police
Integrated Technological Crime Unit
130 Dufferin Avenue
London, Ontario N6A 5R2
Telephone:
(519) 640-7340
Fax: (519) 645-4382