Bahrain is playing its part as crime-busters around the world continue to crack down on criminal gangs and high-tech illicit menaces with increased global co-operation, writes Stanley Szecowka.
Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa marked International Day of Police Co-operation, observed annually on September 7, by outlining a series of success stories.
“We affirm our commitment to continuing to contribute effectively to enhancing police co-operation within the framework of the United Nations and its specialised offices concerned with combating transnational crime,” he said.
In this context, the ministry revealed:
- Nine internationally wanted persons were arrested and handed over to the requesting countries and 17 fugitives from justice were extradited from several countries.
- In the field of combating drugs, the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science shared more than 97 pieces of information with 12 countries, conducted 18 operations in collaboration with seven countries, and arrested four individuals at border crossings in possession of narcotics based on international intelligence.
- And when it comes to tackling money laundering and terrorist financing, the Financial Intelligence National Centre exchanged more than 96 pieces of information with various countries.
Bahrain joins the world in celebrating International Day of Police Co-operation, based on the belief that ‘comprehensive security co-operation and co-ordination at the international level enhance global capabilities in combating crime and improving security and safety rates worldwide’.
This is something the Interior Ministry is working to strengthen, under royal directives of His Majesty King Hamad and the follow-up of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to ‘contribute thoughtfully and effectively to boosting co-operation with countries of the world in all security fields’.
Contemporary security challenges have become increasingly transnational, necessitating the strengthening of co-operation and the exchange of information and expertise.
This requires, the minister outlined, expanding the use of modern technologies and artificial intelligence applications in combating transnational organised crime.
Technological developments must be leveraged to increase the speed and accuracy of information exchange and comprehensive security co-operation in all police fields.
This is something the Interior Ministry is working to promote within the framework of supporting the goals of the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) and adopting a global approach to international police co-operation, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
On this occasion, the Interior Ministry expressed its sincere appreciation for the distinguished and professional efforts undertaken by Interpol in supporting police forces worldwide and providing the necessary support to combat organised crime, within the framework of maintaining international peace and security.
The Interior Ministry said it will ‘continue to play a key role in consolidating international security co-operation and co-ordination by combating international crime and exchanging and analysing information with advanced levels of professionalism and rapid response, in co-operation with brotherly and friendly countries, within the framework of Interpol’.
This will contribute to strengthening police co-operation and reducing crime rates. “May God preserve the Kingdom of Bahrain and continue to bless it with security and stability under the leadership of HM the King,” concluded General Shaikh Rashid.
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