The world’s response to cybercrime has been enhanced with the appointment of Divisional Commissioner Leïla Zouine, from Morocco, as Vice Chair of the INTERPOL Global Cybercrime Expert Group.
This strategic decision comes following the first expert group (EG) annual meeting in Lyon on June 4th and 5th, and further demonstrates Morocco’s growing role in international security cooperation, as well as Interpol’s strengthening of its cyber capabilities in the scope of the fight against technological threats.
Leïla Zouine, in charge of the cybercrime division to the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) of the Kingdom of Morocco, is strong in experience and expertise in her new role.
As Vice Chair she will lead on the crucial “empowerment” track, which will work on practical tools and use-case involving empowering victims of cybercrime and building capacity among law enforcement globally to tackle the surge in online criminal activity.
Her hiring is particularly timely, as cybercrime is on the rise worldwide. A lthough not a patch on street crime’s volatile movement, cybercrime has soared, followed by an explosion of blackmail and sextortion.
Morocco has been at the forefront of modernizing its national security apparatus under the DGSN, creating dedicated cybercrime units, deploying extensive training schemes and promoting transnational cooperation. It has also delivered measurable impact, such as an alleged 95% of cybercrime acts cleared in 2024, some of which aplied through platforms such as “E-Blagh” for immediate report.
Interpol’s cybercrime strategy The objective of Interpol’s global cybercrime strategy is to minimize the impact of cybercrime worldwide and enhance the safety of society. This would entail driving coordinated law enforcement work internationally, supporting operations, and improving global cyber security through partnerships and capability.
Empowering is the most important thing having Zouine as its president given that “Each Member Country is provided with skills and means to prevent, detect, investigate and deter cybercrime”.
Her appointment signals an increasing acknowledgement of national capabilities transitioning into global commitments, as states cooperate to develop common solutions to security challenges.
Given the strategic vision of Zouine and the successful engagement between Interpol and Morocco in cybersecurity, Interpol cybercrime operations are set to become more effective as they continue to protect cyberspace.
