The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has been at the forefront of the fight against cybercrime, working closely with industry partners to combat increasingly sophisticated criminal activities. Since 2020, the AFP’s Operation Dolos joint task force has successfully prevented approximately AU$83 million from falling into the hands of scammers and organised criminal syndicates globally. This success underscores the pivotal role that technology plays in both enabling criminal activities and empowering law enforcement to counter them.
The AFP’s efforts to combat cybercrime have evolved in response to the ever-changing nature of online threats, which are not confined by borders and often target Australia’s economy and way of life. More than 100 ongoing cybercrime investigations are currently underway, focusing on organised groups that pose a significant risk to national security. The dual-use of advanced technology as a weapon for cybercriminals and a tool for law enforcement highlights the ongoing arms race in the digital realm.
In 2024, the AFP ramped up its collaboration with national cybersecurity agencies to leverage offensive cyber capabilities in disrupting ransomware threat groups. These operations are part of a comprehensive strategy to target high-harm cybercriminal syndicates that operate globally across multiple jurisdictions. By harnessing advanced technological resources, the AFP aims to disrupt the operational capabilities of these groups and minimize the harm they inflict on individuals and businesses.
The AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3) has played a crucial role in coordinating national efforts to combat high-threat cybercrime. One notable operation involved dismantling an online platform used for phishing attacks, resulting in arrests both in Australia and internationally. The successful disruption of this service prevented the compromise of personal credentials for thousands of individuals, including a substantial number in Australia.
Expanding its reach beyond national borders, the AFP initiated an operation targeting organised crime groups running scam centres in South-East Asia and Eastern Europe. This initiative, supported by cybercrime liaison officers stationed in key international locations, aimed to identify Australian victims affected by these centres. Notably, a major scam centre in the Philippines was shutdown as a result of this operation, leading to the arrest of numerous suspected cyber criminals.
On the domestic front, the AFP collaborated with other law enforcement agencies on a national initiative in 2024 to disrupt cybercriminals exploiting telecommunications technologies for fraudulent activities. Coordinated efforts led to the identification and apprehension of offenders, as well as the seizure of equipment used in these operations. This cooperative approach underscores the importance of inter-agency coordination in combating technology-enabled crimes.
The AFP’s comprehensive strategy against cybercrime includes proactive measures to educate the public on cybersecurity best practices and empower individuals and businesses to protect themselves from online threats. By combining offensive tactics to dismantle criminal networks with defensive strategies to enhance digital resilience, the AFP aims to create a safer online environment for all Australians.
Internationally, the AFP has expanded its operational presence by deploying liaison officers to key regions in Europe, Africa, and the Americas. These officers facilitate information sharing, coordinate cross-border operations, and strengthen partnerships with international law enforcement agencies to address the global nature of cybercrime. By engaging with counterparts worldwide, the AFP is better equipped to respond to transnational cyber threats effectively.
In addition to targeting direct cybercrime activities, the AFP is also focused on disrupting the infrastructure that supports these illicit operations. By dismantling platforms and tools that enable fraud, identity theft, and other online crimes, the agency aims to reduce the accessibility and scalability of cybercriminal operations. This proactive approach to disrupting the underlying mechanisms of cybercrime is crucial in deterring future criminal activities.
As the landscape of cybercrime continues to evolve, law enforcement agencies like the AFP are harnessing advanced technologies such as data analytics, machine learning, and real-time monitoring to safeguard Australia’s digital and economic security. By staying ahead of emerging threats and adapting their strategies, the AFP is committed to protecting individuals and businesses from the pervasive risks posed by organised cybercriminal activities.