United States and Croatia Sign Agreement on Cybercrime Cooperation
On May 22, the United States and Croatia signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate new cybercrime cooperation. Minister of Justice and Public Administration Ivan Malenica, Croatia’s State Attorney General Zlata Hrvoj-Šipek, and U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Amy Davison signed the memorandum of understanding in Šibenik.
“This agreement demonstrates the United States’ strong commitment to work closely and vigilantly with allies globally to improve cybersecurity and combat cybercrime,” said Deputy Chief of Mission Amy Davison. “The U.S. partnership with Croatian law enforcement and Croatia’s Ministry of Justice is exemplary, and the United States recognizes Croatia’s important leadership role in the region. Our growing cooperation in addressing cybersecurity needs and combating cybercrime together is a model in Southeast Europe,” said Deputy Chief of Mission Davison.
Croatia’s Ministry of Justice Directorate for Organization of the Judiciary together with the newly formed Specialized Unit for Suppression of Computer Crime will engage directly with the United States through the U.S. Transnational and High Tech Crime Global Law Enforcement Network. The Global Law Enforcement Network is an initiative to track and respond to cybercrime while further developing new capabilities and best practices, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and the DOJ Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training.
“The United States appreciates Croatia’s commitment to cybersecurity, and I’m proud to see the level of coordination we are advancing together with Croatia’s Ministry of Justice. The agreement we have signed is delivering immediate results by creating the Ministry’s new Specialized Unit for Suppression of Computer Crime” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Mark Fleming. “Regional cooperation in cybersecurity is vital, and Croatia is stepping forward to strengthen cyber capabilities with partners. Clearly this new team will increase our collective capabilities to prevent and repel state-sponsored cyberattacks that can endanger our economies, our citizens, and our national security,” he added. “We are stronger together, and enhanced law enforcement cooperation is another example of how the United States and Croatia continue to build a partnership that is prepared to protect against rising threats, including cybercrime,” said Chargé d’Affaires Fleming.
