Manhattan DA Announces New Cyber Crimes Bureau

NEW YORK CITY — The Manhattan District Attorney's Office announced the creation of a new bureau aimed at solving numerous cyber and computer crimes.

The Cyber Crime Bureau will prosecute computer crimes and cyber-enabled crimes, particularly those that include websites involved in the distribution of stolen personal identifying information; illicit services, controlled substances, and other contraband; and money laundering, officials said.

The CCB will also work to seize and return stolen funds and take down websites which enable illicit activity that occurs in New York.

“Today, cases across the Office from the Trial Division to the Special Victims Division require a high level of cyber expertise,” said District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “Our ability to conduct blockchain analysis, perform forensic analysis on mobile devices, and much more is unique for a local prosecutor’s office, and critical to many of our investigations and prosecutions. With this evolution of the Cyber Crime Bureau, the Manhattan D.A.’s Office continues to lead the way in the investigation and prosecution of complex computer and cyber-enabled crimes.”

The CCB's techniques were highlighted in two recent cases — one led to the indictment of a 56-year-old man on child sexual abuse crimes and in another case a 36-year-old man was caught running a sham cryptocurrency asset recovery business.

The CCB has also prosecuted or assisted with investigations involving a major dark web drug trafficking ring, the use of cryptocurrency to provide financial support to terrorist groups operating in Syria, and a sophisticated $700,000 cryptocurrency investment scheme based out of Nigeria, among many others.

The bureau will continue to provide support, training, and assistance to the Office’s staff relating to digital evidence and search warrants, orders and subpoenas for electronic records from email providers, social media companies and cloud hosts.