Microsoft has been increasing its collaboration with law enforcement globally in order to fight cyber crime.

The company is scheduled to start working with officers from Europol next month and has begun training officers at Interpol in forensic computing and online tracking. Microsoft has had employees in Nigeria attempting to go after 419 scammers.

Microsoft's chief security advisor, Roger Halbheer said the company has had a two-year relationship with Nigeria. "The police have had major success in arrests in Nigeria after a crackdown. The government was concerned about people's perception of Nigeria because of the criminals and that this would affect the ability to attract foreign investment, "he told vnunet.com.

After the crack down the Nigeria Economic and Financial Crime Commission was broadened to allow the prosecution of online financial crime. Microsoft offered training and software to follow offenders.

Halbheer said the co-operation only goes so far and rumors of back doors in Microsoft's software that could be used by government agencies track computer activity were proven false.

"As part of our Golden security program governments get access to our source code. The Russian government certifies our code, and you can bet they'd be looking for a back door," Halbheer said.

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