SINGAPORE : Fighting crime in today's world has taken on a new dimension because of the use of technology by criminals and terrorists, said Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister, S Jayakumar.

He was speaking at the launch of the Global Prosecutors' E-Crime Network (GPEN) at the 13th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors. Over 400 international prosecutors were gathered at the event in Singapore.

The GPEN will allow for sharing of advice and information among prosecutors worldwide.

Speaking at the launch, Professor Jayakumar talked about the legal challenge that virtual worlds presents, such as whether real-world property laws apply to properties bought and sold in the virtual sphere.

He also described Singapore's experience in adopting technology to fight crime. But he added that as technology becomes an important tool for law enforcers, a country's laws must also be updated in tandem.

"I think it would be defeating the purpose if enforcement agencies are able to (make an) arrest, but the justice system is not able to follow through and effectively prosecute because of weak laws, legal loopholes, inadmissible evidence, or backward investigative methods," said DPM Jayakumar. - CNA /ls