eCrime Enforcement Officer

5 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Role Purpose

To protect consumers from online harm by investigating, disrupting, and preventing criminal activity across digital platforms, including counterfeit goods, illicit tobacco, and large-scale frauds. This role involves enforcement, research, digital forensics, and capacity building within the trading standards profession.

Key Responsibilities:

Investigate and disrupt online criminal activity, including the sale of counterfeit, unsafe, or illicit goods, and large-scale consumer frauds.

Conduct open-source intelligence gathering (OSINT) and online research to identify criminal networks and online threats.

Support the Disruptions Team Leader in delivering enforcement operations and projects as outlined in the National Trading Standards eCrime Team’s service plan.

Assist in preparing and delivering criminal enforcement cases, including evidence collection, witness statements, and file building for prosecution.

Work collaboratively with local and regional trading standards teams across England and Wales to support and enhance their capacity to investigate eCrime.

Capture, manage, and disseminate intelligence reports, ensuring accurate and timely data entry into national intelligence databases.

Support the development and sharing of best practices and toolkits for online investigations within the trading standards community.

Engage with online platforms, domain registrars, and hosting providers to take down harmful websites and online content.

Assist in the delivery of training, workshops, and awareness sessions for trading standards professionals.

Liaise with external partners, including law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders, to support coordinated enforcement.

Contribute to the work of the Digital Evidence Unit by assisting with the forensic analysis of electronic devices (e.g., laptops, smartphones, tablets), where required.

Stay up to date with emerging trends in cybercrime, digital fraud, and online consumer threats.

Requirements

Knowledge of consumer protection legislation, cybercrime, and eCommerce regulations.

Experience in digital investigations, online intelligence gathering, or cyber-enforcement.

Understanding of intelligence handling procedures (e.g., National Intelligence Model, 5x5x5).

Strong communication and report-writing skills for enforcement and legal proceedings.

Familiarity with digital forensic tools and techniques (desirable for higher grades).