Cybercrime - prosecution guidance
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This guidance outlines the main types of cybercrime, including both cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled crimes. It provides definitions, relevant legislation, and practical considerations for prosecuting these offenses. Key areas include hacking, online fraud, child sexual offences, and malicious communications, ensuring prosecutors have the necessary context and operational points for effective case management.
Key points
- Defines cybercrime as cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled.
- Highlights relevant legislation including the Computer Misuse Act 1990.
- Discusses the implications of hacking and malware.
- Addresses online fraud methods and their prosecution.
- Outlines handling of electronic evidence in cybercrime cases.
- Considers jurisdictional issues in cross-border cyber offenses.
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.