press releases 2009

U.S.  Embassy Inaugurates Enhanced Cybercrime Unit for the Internal Security Forces

April 15, 2009

Showing the U.S. Government’s continuing support for the Internal Security Forces (ISF), Deputy Chief of Mission Bill Grant joined, the representative of the Director General of the ISF, head of the judicial police, General Anwar Yahya, to inaugurate the ISF’s enhanced cybercrime and intellectual property unit.  The U.S. funded the unit through a grant to the Lebanese Intellectual Property Association (LIPA).

Others participating were Mr. Joseph Sader, the president of LIPA, Mr. Assaad Salhab, the president of the Brand Protection Group, and Mr. Aly Harakey, the spokesperson for the National Committee on Intellectual Property Day, were also part of the ceremony.

The Department of State awarded a $143,000 grant to LIPA to strengthen the ISF’s Bureau of Cybercrime and Intellectual Property in order to combat intellectual property and internet technology crimes in Lebanon.  LIPA provided technical assistance, equipment, software and training, created an interactive website and drafted new legislation relating to cybercrime.  Part of the project focused on raising public awareness about the ISF’s important work through promotional materials and creating a website and “hotline” that informs citizens and allows them to contact the ISF directly about intellectual property and cybercrimes.

The U.S. Government is providing $80 million to the ISF over a four year period to strengthen its capacity.  The law enforcement assistance program assists the ISF to enforce the rule of law and protect the Lebanese people within their sovereign state.  The professional development of the ISF is critical for Lebanon’s sovereignty and security.  The U.S. Government is committed to supporting Lebanon, the ISF and the Lebanese people.