An Interpol report illustrates how metaverse tools, which include immersive training, virtual crime scene re-enactments and insights into metaverse-related crimes, can improve crime investigation and prosecution.

• An Interpol report highlights the potential of metaverse tools in crime investigation and prosecution.
• A group of metaverse experts explains that metaverse platforms can be a valuable tool for law enforcement training.
• The report discusses the benefits of using metaverse platforms to analyse and securing crime scenes.
• The report also looks at metaverse and the investigation of cybercrime, including the challenges of obtaining evidence from machines, platforms, servers and analysing virtual resources.
• The report includes recommendations and standards to prevent the inappropriate use of metaverse platforms.
• The document defines criminal offences and harmful behaviour in the Metaverse, including fraud with non-exchangeable tokens, cyber-physical attacks, child abuse, theft of digital assets and 3D property, impersonation, stalking and sexual harassment.
• The report also warns of the growing concern over financial crime in the Metaverse.
• The report emphasises the importance of training on data collection, evidence gathering and access to data via haptic devices and virtual reality headsets for investigators.
• A comprehensive strategy that includes multi-stakeholder engagement and cross-border co-operation is essential for an effective law enforcement response to metaverse crime, according to the report.

A white paper by the Metaverse Expert Group argues that metaverse platforms can be an invaluable tool for training law enforcement officers. The report also mentions the potential benefits of using metaverse platforms to analyse and secure crime scenes.

Several important questions were raised. In addition, the International Law Enforcement Organisation’s report looks at a number of elements of the metaverse. It also looks at various use cases that may be of use to law enforcement agencies around the world.

The document emphasises the importance of the metaverse and the investigation of cybercrime. It also addresses the challenges of extracting evidence from machines, platforms, servers and analysing virtual resources.

A series of recommendations and standards have been developed to prevent the misuse of metaverse platforms when they are used as a tool. A working group was set up in October 2022.

Interpol whitepaper

What is revealed in the whitepaper? The Metaverse can be used to train law enforcement officers and to secure and investigate crime scenes, according to a white paper published by Interpol. It envisages better coordination and responsiveness in various scenarios to improve frontline policing by utilising immersive training situations in the Metaverse.

The creation of virtual crime scenes for use on metaverse platforms is an ingenious application. This approach allows investigators unrestricted access to and analysis of crime scenes, facilitating accurate cross-analysis of evidence. In addition, jurors and judges can use this technology to virtually visit crime scenes and gain a better understanding of the details and circumstances of each case.

The article also emphasises the importance of augmented and virtual reality in improving law enforcement and investigations. For example, these technologies provide investigators with immersive 3D workspaces that allow them to utilise their spatial perception and cognitive abilities to effectively tackle difficulties.

The study also aims to define crime and harmful behaviour in the metaverse to enable effective law enforcement and platform security.

Some of the issues addressed fraud related to unredeemable tokens, cyber-physical attacks, child abuse, theft of digital assets and 3D property, impersonation through identity theft, stalking and sexual harassment are among the challenges listed in Interpol’s whitepaper.

In addition, there is growing concern about financial crimes committed in the metaverse. Interpol warns that metaverse crime could become an even bigger problem as more and more people immerse themselves in virtual worlds every day.

Forensics and investigations in the metaverse

Interpol explains that these platforms will be crucial for investigators in obtaining data and evidence as the number of users in metaverse environments increases. Therefore, legal and law enforcement agencies need to educate themselves in this area.

The study also notes that investigators will need to gain expertise in acquiring data from third-party providers, recovering evidence from metaverse infrastructure and accessing data via haptic devices and virtual reality headsets.

First responders, forensic investigators and the entire criminal justice system will need to be trained due to the scope of their requirements.

Considering that the metaverse spans multiple countries, dimensions and organisations, Interpol concludes that a comprehensive strategy involving multi-stakeholder participation and cross-border cooperation would be essential for an effective law enforcement response to metacrime.