Background
The accelerated advancement of digital technology and of information and communication technologies (ICTs) enriches our lives, while simultaneously diversifying and complicating criminal activity. Crimes involving the use of smartphones and PCs, crimes in cyberspace, and crimes exploiting cryptoassets have been posing challenges worldwide. Their salient features are anonymity and the absence of geographical limitation.
In order to uncover the truth behind crimes using digital technology and ICTs (emerging crimes) and to ensure the proper exercise of penal authority, it is essential to utilize advanced specialized knowledge and skills related to ICTs etc., as well as the latest investigative techniques.
Against this background, on April 1, 2021, the Public Prosecutors Office established "JPEC (Japan Prosecutors Unit on Emerging Crimes)" to enhance the office's ability to effectively counter these new threats.
JPEC carries out its duties by leveraging a nationwide network that includes departments specializing in digital forensics (DF Centers) established in Tokyo and Osaka.
Purpose
- Collection, management, and provision of information useful for the unraveling of emerging crimes (such as crimes committed by using information and communication technologies)
- Support for investigations and trials of emerging crimes
Activity
Collection of Cases and Provision of Information
We collent and, with the aid of cutting-edge technical knowledge gained from public and private organizations, analyze cases of emerging crimes committed nationwide, and we share this information, including the latest investigative techniques for tackling emerging crimes, with public prosecutors offices across Japan.
▶backQ&A and Support
In addition to responding to daily inquiries on specific topics from public prosecutors offices, in complex cases, specialized prosecutors and assistant officers may be dispatched to offices across Japan to directly support investigations and trials. The number of cases that we support by various means reaches several hundred annually.
We support public prosecutors offices nationwide by utilizing specialized knowledge and extensive connections with public and private organizations. The support provided is therefore diverse, including the recovery of deleted data, identification of the date, time, and device used for captured images, detection of data tampering traces, analysis of logs from unauthorized access, and tracking of cryptoassets related to crimes.
▶backEducation and Training
The methodology and technology of extracting digital data stored in seized smartphones, computers, and other digital devices following proper procedures, and analyzing the extracted data to find evidence for use in court is called Digital Forensics (DF).
DF is no longer an area that only specialists need to be familiar with; rather, like cybercrime itself, it has become a field where all prosecutors and assistant officers engaged in investigations and trials are required to have a certain degree of knowledge and skill.
For this reason, JPEC collects useful information and good practices from public prosecutors offices across Japan and from public and private organizations, and circulates them to prosecutors and assistant officers. JPEC also plans and conducts numerous practical training sessions with a particular emphasis on hands-on operation of DF tools, enabling participants to gain up-to-date knowledge on digital evidence analysis techniques, analytical methods, cryptoassets, and cybercrime.
▶backDeployment of Digital Tools (Planning)
In advanced criminal investigations, it is important to use IT equipment and software that meet a certain standard, and sometimes the latest advanced tools are required.
JPEC's duties include planning the deployment of such equipment and materials in public prosecutors offices, promoting the enhancement of investigation and trial capabilities of the public prosecutors offices across Japan.
▶backCollaboration with Other Organizations
To address increasingly diverse and complex crimes, it is essential to utilize cutting-edge technical knowledge.
JPEC actively gathers cutting-edge technical information and practices not only from public prosecutors offices across Japan but also from public institutions such as the National Police Agency, private organizations such as IT companies, and experts from academia.
In addition, JPEC works closely with these related organizations and experts on a regular basis to build a system in which society as a whole can confront emerging crimes, ensuring a safe and secure life for the public.
▶backInternational Cooperation
Activities in cyberspace transcend physical borders, making it easy for crimes to be commited across countries, with evidence and involved parties frequently located abroad.
In order to ensure smooth and prompt responses in such cases and to gather information on the latest investigative methods and technical knowledge from other countries, JPEC works closely with foreign law enforcement agencies to exchange information. Additionally, JPEC actively participates in international conferences related to cybercrime so that these relationships can be made even stronger.
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