Upholding the rule of law isn’t always pretty, but it’s necessary in defining a dependable cyber strategy that future generations will be able to look back on with confidence, according to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who spoke to delegates at the 87th INTERPOL General Assembly in Dubai on Sunday.
“By devoting appropriate resources to international cooperation efforts, we can properly address the increasing threat of cybercrime,” Rosenstein said. “No nation should exempt itself from just and reasonable law enforcement cooperation. No nation will be more prosperous, more secure, or more respected because it supports cybercriminals.”
Rosenstein briefly mentioned the October resignation of INTERPOL President Meng Hongwei, who was elected in 2016 and was supposed to serve until 2020, but was arrested in China for allegations of bribery. Russian national Alexander Prokopchuk is expected to fill the open position.
“Last month, international attention focused on INTERPOL, as a result of the disappearance of President Meng Hongwei,” Rosenstein said. “Such events give rise to questions about whether our member countries abide by shared principles. In evaluating our actions at this General Assembly, observers may ask whether our votes reflect the values that we profess. We must stand for the rule of law.”
The four-day General Assembly meeting brought forth nearly 1,000 representatives from 173 nations to discuss technology innovations and law enforcement.
#INTERPOLGA: This afternoon, the INTERPOL General Secretariat is leading discussions on how the Organization will further strengthen police communication and connectivity. Bringing relevant police data where it is most needed: in the field. pic.twitter.com/myfjmXcnhy
— INTERPOL (@INTERPOL_HQ) November 19, 2018
