Strengthening investigative cooperation between States as a tool to more effectively combat cybercrime against children and the elderly

The number of cybercrimes committed against Children and the elderly is constantly increasing. However, the fight against these crimes is characterized by significant problems. This is not only because many victims do not report these crimes, but also because there are various aporias affecting the investigations. Investigations for the fight against cybercrime often require the collection of evidence in another State. However, this requires investigators experienced in digital evidence and requires cooperation instruments between States which, often enough, imply periods of wait time incompatible with investigative needs. Furthermore, if the principle of double criminality is not satisfied, States do not cooperate. All this highlights the need to rethink the very concept of investigation. It is necessary to be aware that, just as the head is part of the human body, so national investigations are part of a larger investigative body. Hence, the need to reach criminal law and criminal procedures that are the same in all States is urgent. Even if this objective may appear utopian, it is not impossible to achieve and it is necessary to work towards its realization in order to reach a more effective fight against crimes.