Iran to fight internet crimes

Amid the growing use of the Internet in Iran, a senior Iranian police official says a special unit to monitor Internet crimes has sprung into action in the country, Press TV reported.

Speaking to Iran's Labor News Agency (ILNA) on Friday, head of the police unit in charge of countering internet crimes General Mehdi Omidi said the special committee would act against "attempted fraud, illegal advertising, insults and spreading lies and falsehood."

"The police will also intervene in political matters in case an illegal act takes place [on the Internet]," Gen. Omidi told ILNA.

He added that the police would deal with individuals as presently there exists little or no major organized crime in cyberspace.

The remarks come as earlier on Thursday Iran's police chief announced the establishment of the special unit to counter Internet crimes.

Ismail Ahmadi-Moqaddam said "in line with crimes committed in cyberspace Iran's Internet police is set to begin its activities soon."

Highlighting the importance of the security of cyberspace, Ahmadi-Moqaddam explained that Iran's police forces are set to boost their capabilities in countering such crimes.