Sgt. Ben Hitchcock | National Cybercrime Coordination Centre
Day 3 – International Collaboration in Cybercrime: A Canadian Leadership Perspective
Since 2019, Sergeant Ben Hitchcock has served as Canada’s first permanent officer on the Joint Cybercrime Action Task Force (JCAT) at Europol—a multinational team dedicated to combatting the world’s most sophisticated and destructive cybercriminal groups.
In this presentation, Sergeant Hitchcock will share insights from his work at the heart of international cybercrime investigations, highlighting how Canadian law enforcement is contributing on the global stage. From dismantling ransomware groups to securing specialized tools and training for domestic agencies, his efforts have not only elevated Canada’s presence in global operations but also strengthened cybercrime response capabilities at home.
Attendees will gain a unique perspective on:
- How international cyber investigations are coordinated and executed
- Canada’s evolving role in multinational enforcement efforts
- Real-world examples of cross-border operations targeting prolific cybercriminals
- Opportunities for Canadian police services to access advanced tools, training, and intelligence
This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from a Canadian officer embedded in one of the world’s most important cybercrime task forces – and to explore how global collaboration is shaping the future of law enforcement.
Ben Hitchcock
J-CAT member / Vice-Chair J-CAT
National Cybercrime Coordination Centre
Ben Hitchcock is a Senior Investigator with over 27 years of service in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). His career began in patrol and investigations in Richmond, BC, and Pond Inlet, Nunavut, before transitioning into the field of digital forensics. He served for 14 years in the Integrated Technological Crime Unit (BC), where he provided digital forensic support for a wide range of criminal investigations, including child sexual exploitation, homicides, and federal and national security operations.
Ben most recently served as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of National Security, Federal Operations, and Cybercrime Investigations, a role that combined technical expertise with investigative leadership.
He is currently assigned to Canada’s National Cybercrime Coordination Centre (NC3) and serves as Canada’s Cybercrime Liaison Officer to the Joint Cybercrime Action Taskforce (J-CAT) at Europol in The Hague, Netherlands.
Ben holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigations. He played a foundational role in the creation of Canada’s Digital Field Triage Program, and his work on this initiative was published in the Digital Forensics Research Workshop (Europe).
In keeping with the ethos of J-CAT, Ben strongly believes that “No one country can fight cybercrime alone.” Cybercrime knows no boundaries, and only through collaboration across all sectors—both domestically and internationally—can those responsible truly be brought to justice.