DEO sets up cyber forensic cell to ensure extraction of data from seized computers

Kolkata: The Directorate of Economic Offence (DEO) has set up a cyber forensic cell to ensure proper extraction of data from seized computers.

The DEO exercises powers under the West Bengal Protection of Interest of Depositors in Financial Establishments Act (WBPIDFEA) that ensures more stringent provisions to book unscrupulous financial companies.

It was the Mamata Banerjee government which took the initiative and the new act for securing funds for investors. While probing the cases related to financial scams in which certain companies collect a huge sum of money from common people through different schemes, the DEO top brass felt that data in the computers of such companies need to be extracted to reach the root of the crime.

Taking all necessary steps, setting up of the cyber forensic centre in the office of the DEO has been ensured without any delay and it has started helping the investigating officers a lot in digging out facts to unearth the money trail. At present, there are 25 experts in the cyber forensic centre and they work with constant coordination with the investigating officers.

According to a senior officer of the DEO, they seize documents, computers, hard discs and other storage devices when they conduct raids in offices of such unscrupulous companies after receiving complaints from investors.

"Nowadays, most data are being saved in computers. So, it is obvious that data related to collection of money and how it is being utilised is easily available in computers. Hence, the task of extraction of data from the storage devices is quite important for investigation of the cases," the official said adding that a Chartered Accountant (CA) has also been appointed as the task in the DEO is related to financial matters and the CA needs to assess various documents.

Moreover, DEO is the only directorate in the state to introduce e-office. With its introduction, the task has become easier and transparent as well.

It may be mentioned that all departments of the state government has ensured introduction of e-office from the very beginning of January following the direction of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

But DEO is the only directorate so far to implement the same.

The DEO is at present probing cases against 19 groups and setting up of the cyber forensic centre is found to be immensely beneficial for investigation in all the cases.