A Launceston police officer who has spent five years building Tasmania’s defences against online criminals has been named the state’s investigator of the year.
Detective Sergeant Paul Turner heads Tasmania Police’s Cyber Investigations Unit, tackling everything from romance scams to ransomware attacks.
Since taking the role in 2020, he has developed the unit’s capability to respond to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats that cross state and international borders.
“Any person connected to the internet is vulnerable to cybercrime. All ages and demographics,” Detective Sergeant Turner said.
The unit investigates cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled crimes, including online scams and fraud, identity theft, cyber abuse and device intrusions.
Detective Sergeant Turner said criminal networks were highly strategic in selecting their victims.
“The scammers are very good at selecting their targets. Older people for investment scams, lonely people for romance scams and so on,” he said.
He said a significant number of people with disabilities were falling victim to scams.
“It is important that, as a community, we assist each other, ask questions if you suspect something is not right and contact police if you need assistance,” he said.
Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Robert Blackwood said Detective Sergeant Turner had led complex operations disrupting organised networks.
“He has coordinated cross-jurisdictional tasking across Australia and overseas and helped recover significant funds and prevented further loss to victims,” Blackwood said.
The 36-year police veteran has also developed a cyber awareness program for school students in partnership with the Australian Federal Police and the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Detective Sergeant Turner said young people faced heightened risks online.
“Young people are falling victim to scams and fraud, cyber bullying and harassment, online grooming and sexual exploitation,” he said.
“They are becoming involved in hacking and denial-or-service attacks and exposure to misinformation and online influence.”
He said these issues could contribute to addiction and mental health challenges.
Police are urging anyone who suspects they’ve been targeted by online crime to report it at cyber.gov.au.
Authorities recommend using strong, unique passwords across different platforms, turning on multi-factor authentication and keeping devices updated with the latest software.
