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 boost investigative and prosecutorial skills in response to rising crime rates in the country.
The training commenced on Monday at Suvavou House and is attended by police investigators, personnel from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Fiji Revenue and Customs Services (FRCS), and prosecutors from ODPP.
Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci stated that the training aims to aid investigators and prosecutors in understanding the processes of information gathering and litigation in accordance with the Proceeds of Crimes Act.
The training is divided into two sessions. AFP senior liaison officer Detective Superintendent Adrian Morton noted that this specialized training for Fiji will equip investigators and prosecutors with effective tools to tackle money laundering and asset confiscation. He emphasized that following the money and confiscating assets can significantly diminish the capacity of crime syndicates to profit from their illicit activities.
Superintendent Morton expressed hope that the workshops would facilitate collaboration among agencies to enhance the ability to seize assets from those benefiting from crime in Fiji. Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva remarked on the necessity of building capacity to improve skills aimed at controlling the notable increase in crime rates.