Cybercrime policies/strategies
Palau has not yet adopted a cybercrime strategy.
Cybercrime legislation
State of cybercrime legislation
COMPUTERS CRIMES 17 PNC CHAPTER 31
Palau’s computer crime legislation is codified in Title 17 PNC Chapter 31. However, other cybercrime related legislation is found codified elsewhere in the Penal Code (Title 17) and the Palau National Code, as well as uncodified statutes.
Substantive law
The criminal conduct described in Articles 2 (illegal access), 3 (illegal interception), 4 (data interference), 5 (system interference), 6 (misuse of devices) and Article 8 (computer-related fraud) are addressed in 17 PNC Chapter 31: computer fraud (17 PNCA §§ 3101-3102), unauthorized computer access (17 PNCA §§ 3108-3110), computer damage (17 PNCA §§ 3103-3104),
The criminal conduct described in Article 9 (offenses related to child pornography) can be found in 17 PNCA § 3106 (use of a computer in the commission of a separate crime) and §§ 1800-1808 (Child Exploitation).
The criminal conduct described in Article 10 (infringements of copyright and related rights) can be found in the Republic of Palau Copyright Act of 2003, codified in 39 PNCA §§ 801-853.
The criminal conduct described in Article 11 (Attempt and aiding or abetting) can be found in 17 PNCA §§ 222-227 (Liability for conduct of another) and §§ 801-803 (Criminal Attempt).
The criminal conduct described in Article 12 (Corporate liability) can be found in 17 PNCA §§ 228-230.
Procedural law
Palau Code of Criminal Procedure does not contain any rules or powers specific to electronic evidence. However, there are general rules and law that apply to evidence, such as: Rules of Evidence for the Courts of the Republic of Palau (2014), ROP.R.Crim.P., 18 PNC Chapter 3 (Searches and Seizures), Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act (codified in 18 PNC §§ 1311-1322), Financial Institution Commission and Financial Intelligence Unit powers within 17 PNC and 26 PNC.
Safeguards
Palau’s Constitution provides safeguards against deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process. There are also limitations within the laws and rules listed above.
Related laws and regulations
Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, 18 PNC §§ 1311-1322
Foreign Investment Act, 28 PNC
Financial Institutions Act of 2001, 26 PNC
Counter-Terrorism Act of 2007, 17 PNC Chapter 22
Money Laundering & Proceeds of Crime Act of 2001
Specialised institutions
No cybercrime unit; Narcotics Enforcement Agency (NEA) staff has received some training on cybercrime and works with Criminal Investigation Division when necessary.
Narcotics and Enforcement Agency (NEA)
Criminal Investigation Division (CID)
Financial Institutions Commission (FIC)
Anti-Human Trafficking Office (AHTO)
Transnational Crime Unit (TCU)International cooperation
Practical guides, templates and best practices
Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act (codified in 18 PNC §§ 1311-1322)