Page 12 - SLC PR REPORT - DECEMBER 2024

Press Release

SLC organises workshop on 'Criminal Intent in Cybercrime'

December 19, 2024 The General Secretariat of the Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of
-
Dubai (SLC) organised an educational workshop titled 'Criminal Intent in Cybercrime.' The event aimed to
deepen participants’ legal understanding of cybercrimes, particularly distinguishing them from traditional
crimes. It also provided a comprehensive examination of the key components of cybercrime, with a focus
on the critical element of criminal intent.

The workshop underscored the approach adopted by UAE legislators in defining criminal intent as a vital
prerequisite for prosecuting cybercrimes and imposing penalties. Participants engaged in in-depth

discussions on the general concept of criminal intent and its specific applications to cybercrimes. The
unique characteristics of cybercrime were explored, alongside the substantive, procedural, and legal
challenges these crimes pose. Attendees also examined the complexities involved in detecting, proving,
and attributing cybercrimes to their perpetrators. A key focus of the discussions was the necessity of

international collaboration to combat the global proliferation of cybercrime.

H.E. Ahmad bin Meshar Al Muhairi, SLC Secretary General, expressed his concerns regarding the rising
threat of cybercrime in the digital age. He stated: "Cybercrimes represent an escalating challenge in the
digital age, necessitating the development and implementation of effective strategies to achieve digital
and cyber security. This must be complemented by comprehensive legislation specifically designed to

address and manage this evolving category of crime. Organising this workshop underscores our
commitment to raising legal awareness about cybercrimes, their risks, implications, and the mechanisms
required to combat and mitigate them."

Al Muhairi further highlighted the importance of a well-defined legal framework to determine criminal
intent in cybercrime cases. He noted: "Such a framework is essential for ensuring accountability,

facilitating effective prosecution, and preventing impunity. This enhances the efficiency of our legal
ecosystems in combating cybercrimes, which pose an escalating threat to the security of nations,
communities, and individuals in today’s interconnected world."

The workshop, led by Dr Yahia Al Adwan, Senior Legal Advisor at the Technical Office of the SLC, brought
together a distinguished group of legal and technical specialists from various government entities.