Cybercrime offence a concern says Chief Justice

Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika has expressed serious concern over the escalating rates of cybercrime in Papua New Guinea's urban areas.

He emphasized the urgent need for stricter laws to deter offenders and modernize the country's legal framework to address the complexities of cybercrime.

Speaking on the issue, Sir Gibbs highlighted that PNG's legal system is falling behind technological advancements, leaving significant gaps in its ability to address emerging threats. 

"All laws need to be repealed, amended, and updated to align with modern times so the courts can effectively tackle the dynamic challenges brought by cybercrime.”

The Chief Justice urged the judiciary and lawmakers to work collaboratively in reforming and enhancing legislation to ensure it keeps pace with global technological advancements.

Sir Gibbs also underscored the critical role of law enforcement agencies in combating cybercrime. 

"Police officers are at the forefront of this battle and must be equipped with the skills to investigate and handle cybercrime cases effectively.”

Similarly, Sir Gibbs called for the Office of the Public Prosecutor to recruit and train senior prosecutors specialized in cybercrime cases. 

He revealed that both the police and prosecution currently lack the necessary expertise and resources to handle these complex cases, further hampering efforts to deter offenders.

Despite these challenges, the Chief Justice reaffirmed the judiciary's commitment to effectively delivering justice.