Internet crime, sometimes known as cybercrime, is a relatively new area of the law. Investigations into these sorts of offences are typically technically difficult and sophisticated, requiring investigators, prosecutors, and solicitors to analyse massive amounts of data. Some cases will have an international component because internet crimes frequently involve the sharing of information across multiple jurisdictions, with investigations conducted by Scottish and UK authorities serving as part of a larger investigation involving law enforcement bodies from other countries. Because of the complexities of cybercrime, retaining the services of professional counsel with experience defending such cases is critical.
What is a cyber or internet crime?
Internet crime is the fastest-growing type of criminal behaviour. Any crime committed with the use of computers and/or the internet has the potential to be classified as cybercrime. Internet crime is often divided into two groups.
The first category includes offences where the computer is the target of the conduct, such as hacking, spamming, and phishing.
The second category includes offences in which a computer is used to carry out illegal behaviour, such as internet fraud, piracy, or hate crimes.
Our lawyers can provide representation regarding a wide range of internet crimes, including:
- Internet fraud
- Identity theft and phishing
- Computer hacking
- Credit card theft
- Offences under the Data Protection Act 2018
- Cyber-stalking and cyber-bullying
- Social media offences, including libel and 'hate speech'
- Offences concerning online pornography and indecent images
- Terrorism-related online offences
- Illegal downloading, copyright theft and piracy
- Spreading malicious content, including viruses and other programs
The National Crime Agency's Cyber Crime Unit will investigate many online offences, with violations often prosecuted under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 or other applicable legislation, such as accessing obscene photographs or engaging in fraud. If you are suspected of a cybercrime, you must choose a lawyer who has expertise in analysing vast amounts of sophisticated digital evidence and presenting it in court.
Get Legal Advice from our internet crime lawyers based in Glasgow, Edinburgh and throughout Scotland
Our team of internet crime lawyers have decades of experience in successfully defending our clients in these cases. We regularly take instruction from clients in Glasgow, Greenock, Port Glasgow, Kilmacolm, Gourock, Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, Barrhead, Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire and every police station and court in Scotland.
