Web Desk
A new report by the Alan Turing Institute warns that UK law enforcement must act fast to counter the rising threat of AI-driven crime.
The study urges the formation of a specialised AI Crime Taskforce within the National Crime Agency to address growing misuse of artificial intelligence in criminal activities.
Criminals are now using AI to scale and automate illegal operations, particularly in financial fraud and phishing scams.
These AI-enhanced schemes make it harder for victims to spot fake content, increasing the risk of being tricked or defrauded.
The report stresses that AI-powered crimes are already causing serious personal and financial harm.
Without immediate action, this type of criminal activity is expected to rise rapidly.
Call for a National AI Crime Taskforce
The proposed taskforce would collect and analyse data on AI-related crimes across UK law enforcement.
It would also collaborate with national security bodies and private firms to create and apply effective solutions.
A key focus of the initiative is to use AI proactively—not just to react to crimes, but to disrupt criminal networks before they cause harm.
The taskforce would also work with Europol and other international partners to build a more unified approach to AI-enabled threats.
The report highlights the need for police forces to fight AI with AI. As criminals embrace new tools, law enforcement must do the same to stay ahead.
The Role of AI in Digital Forensics
John Lucey, VP EMEA at digital forensics company Cellebrite, said AI is already proving essential in helping police deal with new-age threats.
He explained that digital forensics teams can use AI to speed up investigations by classifying content, identifying key evidence, and extracting data from devices.
With AI, investigators can significantly reduce the average 58 hours it takes to process each case.
“As criminals increasingly exploit AI to scale their operations, law enforcement must be equipped with cutting-edge technology to counter these threats effectively,” Lucey said. “The proposed AI Crime Taskforce is a vital step in creating a stronger and more coordinated defence.”
A Growing Sense of Urgency
This warning comes as pressure mounts across the UK cybersecurity space. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has already flagged AI as a major factor in the rising danger of cyberattacks.
Meanwhile, police departments have been urged to double the use of AI facial recognition by May 2024 to improve public safety.
The message is clear: AI is both a powerful tool and a growing threat.
Without a well-organised and tech-driven approach, UK law enforcement risks falling behind.
