Egypt has hosted a major international meeting focused on the growing threat of cybercrime and the need for stronger global cooperation. The event, known as the Cybercrime Conference Egypt, brought together government officials, legal experts, and international organizations to discuss how countries can better respond to digital crimes and emerging online risks.
The conference was opened on June 14, 2026, by Counselor Mahmoud Helmy Al-Sharif, Egypt’s Minister of Justice. It is being held in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Council of Europe, along with academic institutions and regional partners.
Officials said the main goal is to strengthen international cooperation and support the newly adopted United Nations Convention against Cybercrime. This agreement is designed to help countries align their laws and improve how they handle digital evidence in cross-border investigations.
The conference comes at a time when cybercrime is growing quickly worldwide. Experts warned that crimes such as online fraud, data theft, and digital extortion are becoming more advanced, especially with the use of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies. Officials said these threats now affect individuals, businesses, and governments on a large scale.
During the opening session, Egypt’s Minister of Justice stressed that cybercrime is no longer a local issue. He said it requires joint global action because criminals operate across borders using advanced technology. He also highlighted that traditional legal systems are struggling to keep up with fast-changing digital crimes.
He explained that the world is facing new forms of organized crime that are harder to detect and prosecute. These crimes often hide behind complex digital systems. He also warned that children, women, and vulnerable groups are increasingly targeted online, making stronger protection systems essential.
A key focus of the conference is how to improve international legal cooperation. Officials discussed the need for faster sharing of electronic evidence between countries. They also reviewed existing global agreements, including the Budapest Convention, the Arab cybercrime agreement, and the African Union Malabo Convention.
The recently signed United Nations Cybercrime Convention in Hanoi was described as a major step toward building a unified global legal system. Experts said it could help close gaps between national laws and improve cooperation in criminal investigations.
Egypt also highlighted its regional role in fighting cybercrime. Officials pointed to the creation of the Egyptian-African Center for the Prevention and Combating of Cybercrime, developed with support from UNODC. The center aims to train experts and help African countries strengthen their digital security systems.
International representatives also shared concerns about the rapid growth of cybercrime. EU officials warned that the global cybercrime economy is now worth trillions of dollars each year, making it one of the largest illegal industries in the world. They stressed that better coordination between countries is urgently needed.
Vietnam’s ambassador to Egypt also addressed the conference, calling for stronger international cooperation. He shared his country’s efforts in building cybercrime response systems and announced a new joint investigation model developed with the United Nations, aimed at improving cross-border digital crime response.
Other speakers emphasized the importance of balancing security with human rights. They said that while governments must strengthen cyber defenses, they must also ensure fair legal processes and protect civil freedoms.
Experts from the Council of Europe announced that a new study will examine how countries are using artificial intelligence in cybercrime investigations. The study will look at legal practices in more than 25 countries and provide recommendations for future policy.
Legal scholars at the conference also stressed the need for modern laws that can respond quickly to cyber threats. They said that digital evidence is now central to solving many criminal cases, making it important for countries to improve data sharing systems.
The conference sessions are being held through panel discussions involving judges, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and technology experts. Topics include AI-driven cybercrime, dark web activity, online child exploitation, and digital extortion networks.
Officials said the conference marks an important step toward building a unified global approach to cybercrime prevention. They stressed that no country can fight these threats alone, and international cooperation is essential.
Egypt’s role in hosting the event was widely praised by international partners. Many speakers said the country has become a key regional leader in digital security efforts and legal reform discussions.
As the conference continues, participants are expected to develop new strategies for cooperation, legal reform, and technology sharing. The aim is to create a stronger and more connected global system to fight cybercrime and protect the digital space.
