Nepal Police Lacks Digital Forensic Lab to Investigate Cyber Crimes

Nepal’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Bahadur Karki has expressed concerns over the lack of a digital forensic lab within the Cyber Bureau to investigate cyber crimes.

During a discussion on cyber security at the Women and Social Committee of the House of Representatives on Monday, IGP Karki stated that the Cyber Bureau lacks the necessary digital forensic equipment and advanced software to effectively investigate cyber crimes.

He mentioned that although some old equipment is available, it is insufficient, resulting in a significant delay in testing each digital device. ‘We have a digital forensic unit, and we need to test each device, whether it’s a phone or a computer, through forensic means,’ IGP Karki explained.

‘We also need to retrieve deleted content, which requires advanced software and equipment. Unfortunately, we lack these resources, leading to delays in our investigations.’

IGP Karki also highlighted the overwhelming workload at the Nepal Police’s digital forensic laboratory, stating that despite working 24/7, there is a backlog of cases that will take four years to clear.

The lack of necessary equipment and personnel has resulted in delays in presenting evidence to the court, with some cases expected to be delayed by up to four years.

IGP Karki emphasized that the increasing rate of cyber crimes in Nepal is being hindered by outdated laws, limited personnel, inadequate technology, and the lack of digital forensic infrastructure.

‘With the advancement of technology, new dimensions of crime are emerging, but our investigations are still governed by the 2063 Act,’ he noted.

‘We need to corroborate and verify facts through digital means, as the court will not accept anything less. The implementation of the law must be based on the rule of law, and in every cyber case, we need to electronically test the devices used.’