Scotland’s Cyber and Fraud Centre is calling for additional funding to combat organized crime and enhance cyber resilience through a new multi-agency hub. During a six-month trial of the center’s triage hub, over £3 million of defrauded money was recovered or ceased in transfer. Now, the center is seeking funding to expand the model into a fully sustainable charitable organization.
The multi-agency triage hub trial, launched in May 2023, brought together cybersecurity partners such as Police Scotland, NatWest, Lloyds, Metro Bank, and the Cyber and Fraud Centre’s incident response team. The aim was to collaborate and share intelligence, disrupt large criminal gang activity, provide support to victims, and recover stolen funds.
Police Scotland receives approximately 18,000 fraud calls annually, with around 95% being cyber-enabled and committed using online devices. This highlights the increasing demand for cybersecurity support as businesses face the persistent threat of cyberattacks and fraud.
Reported incidents of cybercrime in Scotland have doubled between 2019-2020 and 2022-2023, with Business Email Compromise (BEC), CEO impersonation, and crypto and investment fraud being the most common crimes. However, due to underreporting, these numbers are likely to be even higher.
During the trial period, the hub worked on cases involving nearly £10 million of fraudulently obtained money. By collaborating with high street banks like Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds, Metro, and HSBC, the hub gathered valuable intelligence on fraud attempts to prevent cyberattacks.
Cyberattacks can target organizations of any size, including smaller businesses, public institutions, and charities. A recent example is the Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre Development Trust based in Orkney, which was targeted earlier this year. This incident underscores the importance of victim support for those affected by cyber and fraud crimes. The case has been reported to Police Scotland and is currently under investigation by specialist officers.
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn of Police Scotland emphasized the need for collaboration in preventing and investigating cybercrime, as well as supporting victims and communities affected by these crimes.
Jude Mccorry, CEO of the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland, highlighted the positive outcomes achieved during the triage hub trial and stressed the importance of dedicating resources to tackle cybercrime. With further investment, the center aims to continue delivering positive results for businesses.