In an effort to improve investigative and prosecutorial skills in response to the rising crime rates in the nation, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) has partnered with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to conduct a training program in Suva this week.
The training commenced on Monday at Suvavou House, bringing together police investigators, members of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), staff from Fiji Revenue and Customs Services (FRCS), and prosecutors from the ODPP.
At the opening of the event, Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci stated, “The training is designed to assist investigators and prosecutors in understanding information gathering and litigation under the Proceeds of Crimes Act.”
The training is structured into two sessions. Detective Superintendent Adrian Morton, the AFP senior liaison officer, emphasized that the specialized training will equip Fijian investigators and prosecutors with essential tools for addressing money laundering and asset confiscation.
“The AFP has adopted the philosophy that tracking money and seizing assets will diminish the ability of crime syndicates to profit from their activities,” Superintendent Morton explained. “With the two workshops taking place this week, we anticipate that collaboration among the agencies will bolster efforts to confiscate assets from individuals who benefit from criminal activities in Fiji.”
Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva underscored the necessity of enhancing capacity in these skills to effectively manage the surge in crime rates.