New technology helps investigators find and stop cybercrime in Mississippi

Across two labs, experts have access to specialized diagnostics equipment, powerful computer systems, and software capable of cracking passwords on some devices. In one area, a disassembled phone shows how parts from a destroyed device can still help law enforcement recover data. That includes phones shot by gunfire or thrown into deep bodies of water.

Several workstations showcase software capable of scanning millions of electronic files and detecting files that may contain evidence related to a case. That could be child sexual abuse material, also called CSAM. Another example given was that by searching for gas station pumps, investigators were able to identify how the suspects were scouting potential skimming targets.

Jamie White, a forensic examiner, said the software and tools developed largely in-house are helping save the agency time and resources.

“One of the things we try to do here, because we’re not a very large unit as you’ve seen, is to try to be a force multiplier,” said White. “We try to educate, we try to provide those resources to other people, and we try to take those things that we’ve learned and push those out [to partners] as well.”

Another station demonstrates how the agency is able to track cryptocurrency transfers and bank transactions. Shawn Wolfe, director of the Cyber Crimes Division, said this allows agents to recover stolen money and identify culprits.

“Last year, we had over 80 million in scams on just Mississippi citizens. And so our office last year was able to get $2.5 million back; this year we’ve gotten over $4 million back,” said Wolfe. “Over 50% of the victims are elderly[...] And so there needs to be more education.”

Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s phones because artificial intelligence technologies can be used to create potentially illegal content. Deputy Director Thomas Rubisoff said there’s a growing number of apps available on smartphones that can turn a regular photograph into a sexually explicit image.

Rubisoff explained, “This is something where we need to see engagement with families, making sure that devices in the hands of children are at least being monitored responsibly. We expect that our friends and our partners in the tech industry police, to the extent that’s appropriate, their own platforms, what they’re distributing and who they’re distributing to.”

Sometimes, investigators encounter hidden electronic storage devices, but the agency has a tool to help locate them, and her name is TracE. She’s a black Labrador retriever trained to detect chemicals used to coat SD cards, hard drives, and other electronic storage devices. When she finds a scent, she points towards its location so officers can search the area and recover the device. And when she’s finished with that job, her handler said the pup is able to act as an emotional support animal for any victims who may be at the scene.

Attorney General Lynn Fitch has also shared her concerns about how AI programs could pose harm to children. Recently, the companion chatbot company Character.AI filed for bankruptcy. Fitch alleges that the company has caused physical, emotional and psychological harm to kids by simulating conversations with a real human. Additionally, she’s asked courts to protect the privacy of children in the case to ensure their data is not sold.

“We have seen Big Tech time and time again prioritize profits over the safety of our children,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. "Our investigation has uncovered ample evidence of the physical, mental, and emotional harm that these chatbots can cause. It has also demonstrated how much personal data is collected through individual interactions with chatbots. The companies that develop and market them cannot avoid accountability through bankruptcy. I am proud to stand with my colleagues to ensure that children have a voice in these proceedings."