The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have joined forces to enhance investigative and prosecutorial skills in response to the rising crime rates in the country. This week, they are hosting a training program in Suva.
The training, which began on Monday at Suvavou House, is attended by police investigators, staff from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Fiji Revenue and Customs Services (FRCS), and prosecutors from the ODPP.
At the event, acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci stated, “The training aims to help investigators and prosecutors understand information gathering and litigation in accordance with the Proceeds of Crimes Act.”
The training is organized into two sessions. AFP senior liaison officer, Detective Superintendent Adrian Morton, indicated that this specialized training will equip Fijian investigators and prosecutors with effective tools to address money laundering and asset confiscation.
“The AFP believes that tracking money and seizing assets will diminish the capacity of crime syndicates to profit from illegal activities,” Superintendent Morton remarked. “Through the two workshops this week, we anticipate fruitful collaboration that will aid investigators and litigators in enhancing the forfeiture of assets linked to criminal activities in Fiji.”
Acting DPP, Nancy Tikoisuva, emphasized the importance of building capacity to develop these skills to manage the growing crime rate effectively.