Fiji is among 22 regional nations that have established dedicated transnational crime units. Jodie Hurley, a senior officer with the Australian Federal Police Pacific Command, commended the Fiji Police Force for its commitment to combatting transnational crime, highlighting the allocation of resources to four specialized units.
Hurley spoke during the launch of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report titled “Transnational Organised Crime in the Pacific: Expansion, Challenges, and Impact,” held in Suva. She noted the significant pressures on resources within this field, stating that there are a total of 29 transnational crime units across 22 countries in the Pacific region.
“The Australian Government, in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is proud to support and sponsor the Pacific Islands Transnational Organised Crime Units,” she remarked. Hurley emphasized the importance of threat assessment for the region, explaining that understanding the operating environment is crucial for identifying why transnational organized crime syndicates target specific areas.
With this understanding, she indicated that policies could be developed by Pacific leaders to disrupt criminal activities. “Together with domestic and international efforts through law enforcement, government agencies, and non-government organizations, we must create an environment that is inhospitable to transnational organized crime,” she stated.
Hurley added that currently available information can enhance the understanding of transnational organized crime threats in the region and how to counter them. She pointed out that future program outcomes would allow for detailed discussions on identified threats and strategies to mitigate them.
“Together, we are stronger in this fight than if we attempt to win it separately. It is through this program and complementary initiatives that we can ensure the safety and well-being of all our communities in the region.”