Interior minister outlines Belarus’ progress in tackling cybercrime | #cybercrime | #infosec

Ivan Kubrakov. Photo courtesy of the Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs

MINSK, 5 June (BelTA) – In 2025, the number of cybercrimes in Belarus decreased for the first time in recent years, Belarusian Minister of Internal Affairs Ivan Kubrakov said at the Meeting of Ministers of Internal Affairs and Public Security of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states in Bishkek, the Ministry of Internal Affairs told BelTA.

“Due to implemented measures, last year, Belarus saw a decrease in the number of cybercrimes for the first time in recent years. Meanwhile, the detection rate has soared significantly this year,” Ivan Kubrakov said.

“The internet has become a key platform not only for cyber fraud, but also for drug trafficking, human trafficking, as well as extremist and other dangerous types of crimes,” the interior minister pointed out.

According to him, of particular concern are the operations of transnational fraudulent call centers, the spread of extremist and terrorist content, the involvement of young people in illegal activities via the internet, and attempts to destabilize public safety through information influence.

To provide a barrier, the Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs utilizes a comprehensive approach that combines legislative initiatives, new crime detection and investigation methods, the deployment of additional technical tools, and innovations in preventative work.

Ivan Kubrakov emphasized that despite external and internal challenges and threats, the crime rate in Belarus in 2025 reached its lowest level in 10 years. Today, countering cybercrime remains one of the most critical tasks.

Overall, the interior minister noted that the ministry views cooperation within the SCO as a key mechanism for ensuring regional security and combating transnational crime.

“Modern crime quickly adapts to new conditions. Organized groups actively use digital technologies, cryptocurrencies, internet platforms, and artificial intelligence tools. Schemes are becoming cross-border, mobile, and less dependent on state borders. Under such circumstances, the effectiveness of our work directly depends not only on national measures, but also on the speed of information exchange and the level of practical cooperation between the law enforcement agencies of the SCO member states, including the study of advanced expertise and best practices,” he said.