The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) are collaborating on a training program in Suva this week to improve investigative and prosecutorial skills in response to the rising crime rates in the country.
The training commenced on Monday at Suvavou House and includes participants from police investigations, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Fiji Revenue and Customs Services (FRCS), and prosecutors from the ODPP.
Acting Commissioner of Police, Sakeo Raikaci, emphasized that the training aims to help investigators and prosecutors understand information gathering and litigation processes under the Proceeds of Crimes Act.
The training is organized into two sessions. AFP senior liaison officer, Detective Superintendent Adrian Morton, noted that the specialized training provided for Fiji will equip investigators and prosecutors with effective tools to address money laundering and asset confiscation issues.
Superintendent Morton stated, “The AFP has embraced the philosophy that following money and taking assets will reduce the ability of crime syndicates to profit from their crimes.” He added that with the two workshops scheduled for this week, they anticipate strong collaboration that will empower agencies to improve asset forfeiture efforts against those profiting from criminal activities in Fiji.
Acting DPP, Nancy Tikoisuva, highlighted the necessity of building capacity to strengthen skills aimed at curbing the alarming crime rates.
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