Law Enforcement From 44 Countries Team Up Against Youth Cybercrime: DHS Cyber Crimes Center Expands InterCOP Partnership as Campaign Videos Air in Nearly 20 Countries
Washington — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said in an October 30 release that the Department of Homeland Security Cyber Crimes Center (C3), led by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), is expanding its collaboration with the International Cyber Offender Prevention network, known as InterCOP, in a campaign designed to help prevent youth from being drawn into cybercrime and to promote lawful, constructive pathways for those with developing cyber skills.
On October 8, HSI joined police in the Netherlands to prevent young people from committing cybercrimes. The campaign features two videos airing in nearly 20 countries — one about distributed denial of service attacks, and another showing kids how they can use their skills to combat cybercrime.
"Cyber talent can be a tremendous force for good, but young people need clear guidance, positive opportunities and trusted support to use their skills safely and lawfully," said DHS C3 Deputy Assistant Director Kimberly Long. "Through our participation in the International Cyber Offender Prevention network, HSI works with international law enforcement, academia, industry and nonprofit organizations to prevent cybercrime, protect young people from exploitation by criminal groups, and connect those interested in technology with constructive pathways in cybersecurity."
HSI has participated in InterCOP since April 2023 and is currently the only U.S. agency represented on the network's leadership committee. InterCOP brings together law enforcement agencies from 44 countries, along with academic, private-sector and nonprofit partners, to develop, implement and evaluate prevention interventions and law enforcement campaigns aimed at reducing cybercrime. Through the collaboration, the C3 and HSI will share prevention practices, support international campaigns, and provide young people, parents, caregivers and educators with information about online safety, lawful boundaries, and the consequences of cybercrime.
Beginning in April 2026, the C3 expanded HSI's prevention efforts by developing Informed Cyber Choices, a nationwide cyberawareness initiative that will serve as a centralized resource for youth cybercrime prevention messaging in the United States, focusing on cyber safety awareness, responsible digital conduct, and opportunities to develop cybersecurity skills lawfully.
"InterCOP strengthens our ability to share effective prevention practices and coordinate education, intervention and law enforcement efforts with partners around the world," Long said. "Our objective is straightforward: help young people understand the consequences of cybercrime and show them how their abilities can contribute to a safer digital environment." ICE said suspicious activity can be reported by calling 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423).
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：美国移民与海关执法局（ICE）总部大楼正面，位于华盛顿。G. Edward Johnson 摄，Wikimedia Commons，CC BY 4.0；GSM 自家图库联邦包 fed-ice-building（移民与执法局部门稿固定图）。 / Photo: Front of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) headquarters building in Washington. Photo by G. Edward Johnson, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0; GSM federal asset pack fed-ice-building, the fixed image for ICE department stories.
