Fiji’s Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to combatting cybercrime during the Regional Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence Workshop at the Shangri-La Fijian Resort. He emphasized the importance of robust legislation, thorough training, and effective technical support to shield Fiji from the dangers posed by cybercriminal activities that could weaken the economy.
Turaga highlighted Fiji’s proactive measures, noting the implementation of the Cybercrime Act 2021 and the nation’s engagement with the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, which aligns its laws with international standards. The minister stressed the need for continual updates to legal frameworks, education for law enforcement, and the enhancement of both national and regional capabilities to safeguard the Pacific’s digital environment.
He encouraged participants to utilize the workshop to formulate strategies and strengthen partnerships, asserting that no foreign entity or hacker should be able to undermine the security or economic stability of the region. Turaga acknowledged that Fiji is not immune to these global cyber threats, with incidents like phishing, ransomware, and financial fraud, such as the recent M-Paisa scam, showcasing the evolving landscape of cybercrime.
The workshop, organized by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and supported by the European Union for the Pacific, the European Commission, and the Council of Europe, aimed to enhance skills in cybercrime prevention and the management of electronic evidence. This collaborative effort underscores Fiji’s dedication to bolstering the Pacific nations’ capacity to confront and mitigate digital threats.
By prioritizing collaboration and capacity building, Fiji not only fortifies its defenses against cybercrime but also fosters a stronger, more united regional approach to ensuring digital safety for all Pacific nations. This proactive stance reflects a hopeful vision for a more secure digital environment in the future.
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