Catherine Murphy
Ceist:
375. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of cases dealt with the Garda computer crime unit to date in 2023; and the number of successful cases completed by the Garda computer crime unit to date in 2023. [50943/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately, the information was not received in time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 375 of 21 November 2023 where you sought: “To ask the Minister for Justice the number of cases dealt with the Garda computer crime unit to date in 2023; and the number of successful cases completed by the Garda computer crime unit to date in 2023.”
As you will recall, I had sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities, and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) provides assistance to investigators in the forensic examination of digital devices that have been seized as part of criminal investigations. As GNCCB assists with these cases, the investigating member as lead investigator has ultimate responsibility for such cases. GNCCB uses the term “closed”, when it has carried out all forensic examinations necessary as part of the overall case.
The results of this forensic examination are incorporated in the overall investigation, led by the investigating member, in the relevant Garda District, who will decide on the direction of their investigation.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the total number of cases processed by GNCCB in 2023 was 1005. GNCCB ‘closed’ 655 cases and provided other types of assistance for 350 other cases.
I trust this information is of assistance.
