The number of cybercrimes in the Vitebsk region decreased by 18% last year

February 1, Vitebsk. In the Vitebsk region, the number of cybercrimes in 2022 decreased by 18% compared to 2021. Andrey Lyubimov, HEAD of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee, told journalists about this, BelTA has learned.

In 2022, law enforcement officers managed to uncover all murders, robberies, robberies, facts of intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm. The total number of crimes in the region for the year decreased by 5%. "I want to note that we have the lowest crime rate in the country per 10,000 people. In general, there is a positive trend in almost all services," the head of the Department of Internal Affairs said.

However, he drew attention to the work in some areas. "Unfortunately, the number of crimes in the criminal investigation department has increased, but only slightly. This is mainly due to the more than doubling of fraudulent activities (+106.5%), including against the elderly, through the Internet and possible transfers of funds through various payment systems.The number of robberies has also increased.In public places, fewer crimes were recorded, but it should be noted that the number of crimes committed by persons in a state of intoxication has increased.We see that it is necessary to strengthen the work in the direction of disadvantaged citizens in medical and labor dispensaries.

Andrey Lyubimov paid special attention to economic crimes in the agricultural sector. Last year, the number of identified crimes related to the illegal trade in cattle increased.

Fewer corruption crimes were detected. "This year, a number of bribes have already been revealed in the construction sector, which officials received. Taking into account the ongoing investigative measures, we do not name these organizations yet," the head of the Department of Internal Affairs said.

In the region, the number of committed cybercrimes decreased by 18%, and such a positive trend has been observed for two years. However, the total number of frauds has increased - last year 663 such cases were recorded. The complexity of such cases lies in the fact that law enforcement officers are not always able to contact the organizer, but the couriers who come for money are quickly identified.

In almost 80% of cases last year, couriers were identified and detained thanks to video surveillance systems and other technical capabilities of operatives. Law enforcement officers plan to change the format of work with the population, in particular with vulnerable categories of citizens (teenagers, the elderly). The main task in this direction is the prevention of cyber fraud. We are talking about cases when gullible people, after a call from unknown people, go to the bank for loans to participate in the "operation to catch a criminal", transfer the saved, deferred money to intermediaries who allegedly will help their relative in trouble. “One of the rules of criminals is that they constantly keep a person on the phone until a courier comes to him. Because if a citizen gets his bearings, understands that this is false information, and hangs up, then they don’t call him back anymore, the courier doesn’t come, - Andrey Lyubimov noted. - Such crimes were mainly registered in Vitebsk and Orsha. We have created an appropriate task force that can move to any point with lightning speed and block the address where the courier should come."

The head of the Department of Internal Affairs also drew attention to the work of online platforms - false stores, after ordering and paying for goods, the moderators interrupted communication with customers. The latter remained both without the desired object and without money.

In the Vitebsk region, the number of crimes related to the so-called false danger has increased - 22 facts over the past year, while in 2021 there were only 6. Almost every week, organizations (mainly educational, healthcare, judicial system) receive emails information about falsehood. "The algorithm of actions has been worked out, but there are more such crimes, and we have to divert our forces and respond to these moments," Andrey Lyubimov explained.

Separately, he drew attention to the problem of drug trafficking. The analytical intelligence unit is engaged in the collection of information in this area. “Still, the sale of narcotic drugs is developed precisely through the Internet. Today, a number of Internet sites have changed, and we have closed the corresponding stores, but criminals are also looking for new ways in this direction. Last year, we identified about 4 channels for supplying drugs to the country, seized 117 large batches of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. We have done a better job of detecting crimes," the head of the Department of Internal Affairs concluded.

According to him, last year in the field of drug trafficking, law enforcement officers of the Vitebsk region revealed 408 crimes, 180 of them were committed for the purpose of sale.

Describing the traffic situation in the region, Andrey Lyubimov noted that it has improved. "This can be seen from the condition of the roads, which also affected the situation, and the solution of certain technical proposals where it was possible to reduce speed limits. The number of accidents in general, as well as the number of deaths and injuries, including those related to minors, has decreased. I would like to note that "Children got into road accidents while riding bicycles. We will also strengthen preventive work not only in educational institutions, but also in various HEALTH camps through joint work with teachers," he stressed.

Law enforcement officers of the region will continue to work in all areas of activity. This year, it is planned to purchase quadrocopters for Vitebsk to protect public order during service and during public events. The installation of CCTV cameras in crowded places and near water bodies will continue. Special attention will be paid to cycling in large cities of the region, where bike paths are needed.