UK cyberpolice unit gets new chief

The police have appointed a detective with expertise in online paedophilia investigations to take over the running of the high-tech crime division of the UK's National Crime Squad (NCS).

Detective Chief Superintendent Sharon Lemon will replace Len Hynds as the head of the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU) following Hynds' promotion to Assistant Chief Constable with the NCS. Hynds has been in charge of the NHTCU since it was launched in April 2001 with £25m of government funds.

Since its launch the NHTCU has been involved in over 100 cases including investigating denial of service attacks against online bookmakers and it supported the NCS in the Operation Ore investigation into UK citizens who had used their credit cards to subscribe to child pornography websites.

Lemon will take over ahead of the NHTCU's likely incorporation into the government's proposed Serious and Organised Crime Agency – touted as the UK's version of the FBI.

After starting out with the Metropolitan Police in 1976, Lemon joined the NCS in 1999. More recently she headed up the Paedophile Online Investigation Team at the NCS and had a key role in helping set up the Virtual Global Taskforce collaboration between international law enforcement agencies.

Lemon said she is "relishing" her new role at the NHTCU. "During its first four years the unit has established a clear presence in this field and built an outstanding profile nationally and internationally. I am keen to build on this excellent start," she said.