INTERPOL celebrated a decade of innovation and collaboration with a special event commemorating the 10th anniversary of the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation (IGCI) in Singapore. With its state-of-the-art facilities, the IGCI has played a pivotal role in international crime investigation and cybersecurity.
The significant ceremony was attended by key figures including INTERPOL President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, Secretary General Valdeci Urquiza, members of the INTERPOL Executive Committee, as well as Singapore Commissioner of Police Hoong Wee Teck, and Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs Deputy Secretary (Policy) Ngiam Shih Chun, who celebrated the IGCI's past achievements and shared its future vision.
Officially commencing operations in April 2015, the IGCI symbolizes the strong partnership between INTERPOL and Singapore, making significant contributions to INTERPOL's mission of combating transnational crime. The IGCI performs three key roles:
Strengthening INTERPOL's regional presence in the global crime landscape: It serves as a hub for effectively responding to globally expanding crime.
Expanding 24/7 command and control center support for member countries: It maintains a constant support system to enable member countries to respond to international crime threats at any time.
Launching the Cyber Fusion Centre to facilitate secure, real-time information sharing on cyber threats: It enables rapid sharing of information on evolving cyber threats and fosters joint responses.
From its first month of operation, the IGCI played a crucial role in dismantling the "Simda botnet," which was distributing malware across over 190 countries, based on information from private sector partners, setting a precedent for international collaborative investigations. This operation was conducted in close cooperation with major IT companies such as Microsoft, Kaspersky Lab, and Trend Micro, leading to the shutdown of numerous Simda botnet command and control servers and contributing to the protection of hundreds of thousands of infected computers worldwide. This clearly demonstrates the IGCI's leadership in responding to international cybercrime.
More recently, through pioneering projects such as the "Toolkit for Responsible AI Innovation in Law Enforcement," the IGCI has been helping member countries enhance their capabilities to use AI in combating and investigating crime. Developed by INTERPOL and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) with financial support from the European Union, this toolkit provides a theoretical foundation and practical tools for the responsible use of AI based on human rights, ethics, and policing principles. This highlights INTERPOL's proactive response to new challenges arising with technological advancements.
Furthermore, cybercrime operations like "Operation Secure," conducted from February to April 2025, achieved significant results by targeting information-stealing malware, neutralizing 79% of suspicious IP addresses, seizing 41 servers and over 100GB of data, and arresting 32 suspects. This operation also notified over 216,000 victims or potential victims to take immediate action, demonstrating a comprehensive response capability to cyber threats.
Currently, with over 140 staff members, the IGCI focuses on deploying advanced technologies, building cybercrime partnerships, and providing essential training to member countries. The Singapore government has significantly contributed to the IGCI's success through active cooperation, including seconding police officers to the IGCI and supporting the ASEAN Cyber Capacity Development Project (now renamed the Cyber Capacity and Capability Project, C3DP).
The IGCI's 10th anniversary marks an important milestone in INTERPOL's history, emphasizing the organization's unwavering commitment to combating transnational crime and promoting global security. Through the IGCI, INTERPOL will continue to build a safer and more resilient future based on innovative solutions and international cooperation.
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