Bundeskriminalamt (BK) Österreich
Five more years as director of the Federal Criminal Police Office – a leadership characterized by tradition and innovation.
Bundeskriminalamt (BK) Österreich:
On February 1, 2021, General Mag. Andreas Holzer, M.A., took over the function of Director of the Austrian Federal Criminal Police Office.
In a phase of increasing security policy challenges, he set clear priorities early on for a modern, networked and at the same time solid Federal Criminal Police Office that combines classic criminalistic strength with new technical and organizational capabilities.
Challenges of the past
The past few years have been marked by profound changes for the Federal Criminal Police Office. In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, which required a rapid adaptation of working methods and the continuous maintenance of investigative capacities under exceptional conditions, the increasing digitalization in particular has had a lasting impact on the criminal landscape.
Crime increasingly shifted to the digital realm, new forms of fraud emerged at a rapid pace, and perpetrators increasingly operated internationally, with a division of labor and technical expertise.
Furthermore, global and geopolitical crises had a direct impact on the security situation.
The war in Ukraine, global economic uncertainties and social tensions influenced the forms and dynamics of crime as well as the activities of international criminal networks.
In this environment, the Federal Criminal Police Office played a central role in early situation detection, the coordination of national and international partners, and the strategic management of criminal police measures.
“Over the past five years, Andreas Holzer has led the Federal Criminal Police Office not only prudently but also with strategic foresight. Numerous measures for structural development were initiated and implemented to ensure the ability to meet current law enforcement challenges. Combating cybercrime was a central focus, as was strengthening investigative capabilities in the regions. The goal is clear: security for the citizens of our country. Under the leadership of General Andreas Holzer, the path taken will be consistently pursued in the coming years,” said Interior Minister Gerhard Karner.
Operational and strategic priorities
Against this backdrop, the Federal Criminal Police Office's strategic direction is consistently aligned with the requirements of the coming years. A key focus is on further expanding investigative capacities in the digital sphere, particularly in the areas of cybercrime and internet fraud. The aim is to further broaden existing expertise and continuously adapt technical and analytical capabilities to new threat scenarios.
At the same time, the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) serves as the central investigation and coordination body of the Austrian criminal police. Not only the BKA itself, but the entire criminal police force is to be further developed, with particular emphasis on combating organized crime with links to the Balkans and Eastern Europe, as well as cybercrime.
“Andreas Holzer represents a criminal investigation department that thinks in a networked way and takes the lead. With his reappointment, we are deliberately opting for continuity. He brings many years of experience in combating organized crime and combines classic investigative methods with new, digital approaches. From our personal collaboration, I know that Andreas Holzer is truly passionate about criminal investigation. This very combination makes him the ideal leader to consistently and future-orientedly develop the Federal Criminal Police Office over the next five years,” explains the Director General for Public Security, Franz Ruf.
Continuation of a clear course
Five years after taking office, the development of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) is under the leadership of General Andreas Holzer, M.A., who is responsible for the quality of investigations and support services. The combination of classic criminalistic expertise with modern technology, international networking, and structural development now shapes the organization's self-image.
The extension of his term as Director of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) is a clear commitment to consistently pursuing this course. The guiding principles formulated at his appointment – performance, loyalty and passion for fighting crime, as well as the central role of the staff – have not only proven their worth in an increasingly complex security policy environment, but have also created a solid foundation for sustainable development.
The Director of the Federal Criminal Police Office will continue to pursue the established goals clearly, systematically, and vigorously in the coming years, and can rely on a strong team within the Federal Criminal Police Office. This team of highly qualified specialists, experienced investigators, and recognized experts forms the foundation of successful investigative work.
“The entire team at the Federal Criminal Police Office will continue to pursue the chosen course with me consistently, professionally and resolutely – for a safe Austria,” concludes General Mag. Andreas Holzer, MA.
Original article by BK Austria: bundeskriminalamt.at
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