The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) has joined forces with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to improve investigative and prosecutorial skills aimed at tackling the rising crime rate in the country. This collaboration has resulted in a training program that commenced this week 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), as well as ODPP prosecutors.
During the event, Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci remarked that the training is intended to help investigators and prosecutors grasp information gathering and litigation processes under the Proceeds of Crimes Act.
The training is organized into two sessions, with AFP senior liaison officer Detective Superintendent Adrian Morton emphasizing the importance of specialized training for Fiji. He noted that this initiative would provide essential tools for handling money laundering and asset confiscation cases effectively.
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 activities.” He expressed hope that the workshops would foster collaboration among agencies to enhance the forfeiture of assets from those profiting from criminal activities in Fiji.
Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva underscored the necessity of building capacity to improve skills and combat the increasing crime rate.