The Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland, has announced the appointment of former Police Scotland Detective Superintendent, Alex Dowall, to a pivotal position. With a career spanning over three decades in policing, Dowall is looking to bring both experience, and specialisation into his new role. 

“This new role (…) 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,” said Dowall. 

“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.”

Dowall retired from policing in March this year, having previously served as detective superintendent in the specialist crime division and heading Police Scotland’s specialist Cyber Investigations and Digital Forensics Department. 

Originally from Dundee, Alex moved to Aberdeen in 1994, joining Grampian Police where he served in various capacities including the Force Drug Squad, Surveillance Unit, and leading one of the Force’s Major Investigations Teams.

After the inception of Police Scotland, Alex became Detective Chief Inspector in Aberdeen and Moray before moving to the Specialist Crime Division, investigating Serious Organized Crime across Dundee, Aberdeen, and Inverness. Dowall was even selected to participate in the FBI’s prestigious National Academy, graduating in March 2020 as a member of class #279, where he specialised in Cyber Investigations.

Now still based in Aberdeen, Dowall’s appointment also heralds an expansion of the Centre’s presence into the region.

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“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,” said Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland CEO Jude McCorry.

“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.”