In response to a sharp increase in online crime, the Metropolitan Police Department said Friday it would increase the number of special cybercrime investigators to 260, adding 60 to its current force, by autumn next year.

The MPD found it necessary to strengthen its investigative capabilities on the force, which is tasked with initial investigations for such crimes as child pornography and online banking fraud, including illegal money transfers.

The lack of knowledge of cybercrime became apparent in a case last year in which four men were erroneously arrested over threatening messages sent via remotely controlled PCs. That prompted the MPD to beef up the number of cybercrime investigators.