Interpol's Journey into the Metaverse: Combating Virtual Crime

Interpol has stated that it is evaluating how to enforce legal measures against unlawful activities emerging in the metaverse, as offenders increasingly prey on users accessing virtual platforms.

The international organization dedicated to crime prevention has created a dedicated virtual space for immersive training sessions and meetings.

Jurgen Stock, the Secretary General of Interpol, shared with BBC has elaborated on how this global law enforcement organization is delving into methods of enforcing laws in virtual realms. Interpol has established a secure virtual environment, accessible solely through protected servers, enabling law enforcement to better understand and engage with the metaverse—this encompasses recognizing the various types of criminal activity that might arise and devising strategies to tackle them.

"Criminals have become quite adept at quickly adapting to new technology for their illegal endeavors. We must ensure our response is adequate. Policymakers, law enforcement, and society sometimes lag behind,

Stock told BBC.

" There are numerous potential illegal activities that might manifest in the metaverse, including abuse towards minors, data theft, money laundering financial fraud, counterfeit activities, ransomware attacks, phishing schemes, and sexual assault and harassment. Interpol’s director of technology and innovation, Madan Oberoi, warns noted that it's often ambiguous whether certain behaviors in the metaverse can be classified as crimes. For example, the definitions of sexual harassment in physical spaces are hard to translate into the metaverse. Interpol is encountering obstacles in heightening awareness about possible crimes in the metaverse, with a focus on training law enforcement officials to identify and tackle illicit activities within this digital domain. Interpol has already made strides in establishing a foothold in the metaverse. In collaboration with the World Economic Forum, Microsoft, and Accenture, they have launched a metaverse initiative called Global Collaboration Village, in which Interpol is a key partner, aiming to maintain a safe environment on this platform. However, since the metaverse is still in its nascent stage, how significant is Interpol's presence right now?

Moreover, can the role of law enforcement be justified in the inherently decentralized world of the metaverse? virtual world Arseny Myakotnikov, co-founder and CMO of,

shared with Metaverse Post that many infractions highlighted by Interpol are unlikely to occur at the present juncture of metaverse technology evolution. Furthermore, Interpol's Metadrive concept may only hold validity in centralized metaverse scenarios. "This initiative contradicts the principle of decentralization and, in my opinion, will likely not gain acceptance within the community. Every .

metaverse should function as its unique digital universe, empowering investors to establish their regulations grounded in their voting power through decentralized governance within the project’s DAO,” Alex Kim, Chief Monetization Officer at, conveyed to Metaverse Post that opening discussions on metaverse regulations is an excellent move toward ensuring the safety of digital environments.

Myakotnikov shared his opinion.

and activities that remain legally compliant should not differ significantly from those occurring in the physical realm. Nonetheless, a proper balance must be navigated. After all, the metaverse is envisioned as an autonomous space not governed by any centralized authority. This raises the critical issue of who should oversee the Sensorium Please note that the details provided on this page are not intended to serve as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of counsel. It's crucial to invest only what you can afford to lose and seek independent financial guidance if you have reservations. For additional information, we recommend reviewing the terms and conditions alongside the help and support sections provided by the issuer or advertiser. MetaversePost is dedicated to delivering precise and impartial news, yet market conditions can shift without prior notice.

“We have to make sure all users have access to experiences Agne is a journalist focused on the latest innovations and changes in the metaverse, AI, and Web3 sectors for the Metaverse Post. Her zeal for storytelling has driven her to engage in numerous interviews with passionate experts in these areas, always eager to uncover compelling narratives. Agne earned her Bachelor's degree in literature and boasts a diverse writing background that encompasses topics such as travel, art, and culture. Additionally, she has volunteered as an editor for an animal rights organization, advocating for awareness of animal welfare concerns. Reach her at metaverse – and what powers this entity would have,”

Kim said.