FBI-trained former detective assumes new role at Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland

16.04.24

General

Scotland’s leading organisation for building resilience against cyber and fraud crime, the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland, has appointed former Police Scotland Detective Superintendent, Alex Dowall to a pivotal position.

With over three decades of experience in policing, Alex brings an incredible range of experience and specialism to his new role as Head of Fraud and Cyber at the Centre. Based in Aberdeen, Alex’s appointment also represents an investment into extending the centre’s presence. Currently sited in Dundee and Edinburgh, the move into Aberdeen fulfils an aim to ensure coverage and support of organisations across Scotland, both physically and virtually, as much as possible.

Previously Detective Superintendent, Specialist Crime Division and head of Police Scotland’s specialist Cyber Investigations and Digital Forensics Department, he retired from policing in March this year.

During his 30-year career, Alex specialised in investigating Organised Crime and was the National lead for crimes of Kidnap and Extortion.

Originally from Dundee, he moved to Aberdeen in 1994 where he joined Grampian Police and served in the Force Drug Squad, Surveillance Unit and led one of the Force’s Major Investigations Teams. He was also in charge of the Force’s Public Protection Unit and Specialist Intelligence functions.

On the inception of Police Scotland Alex became Detective Chief Inspector in Aberdeen and Moray before moving to Specialist Crime Division, investigating Serious Organised Crime across Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness.

On Promotion to Detective Superintendent, he led all CID resources in North East Division (the former Grampian Police area) and was selected to participate in the FBI’s prestigious National Academy where he elected to study Cyber Investigations. He graduated from Quantico in March 2020 as a member of class #279.

Alex Dowall, said: “This new role as Head of Cyber and Fraud at the Cyber and Fraud Centre is not just another step in my career, but a continuation of my lifelong commitment to public safety and justice. Throughout my extensive policing experience tackling Organised Crime, I’ve witnessed first-hand the evolving landscape where cyber threats intersect with traditional criminal activities like fraud.

“My time at Police Scotland, particularly leading the Cyber Investigations and Digital Forensics Department, has given me a unique vantage point on the technological aspects of crime fighting.

The Cyber and Fraud Centre and partner organisations have already achieved significant success with the Fraud Triage Hub, which has helped protect countless victims and disrupt major fraud networks. As I take on this new position, I’m eager to apply my specialised expertise to further strengthen our defences against cyber and fraud-related crimes.”

Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland CEO Jude McCorry added: “I’ve worked with Alex for several years, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have him at the Centre. His dedication to supporting victims of cyber and fraud, coupled with his leadership and collaborative efforts, has been instrumental in continuously strengthening our foundation.

His vast span of knowledge and experience, particularly from the policing side of investigating cyber crime, will be an invaluable resource for us at the Cyber and Fraud Centre-Scotland as we work to support our business community in the fight against cyber and fraud crime. 

The threat of cyber and fraud crime is increasing rapidly, with several high-profile cases in recent months, and we know that Alex will play a key part in helping us realise our vision of helping Scottish organisations be as resilient as possible.”