The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have joined forces to improve investigative and prosecutorial skills in response to the rising crime rates in the country. A training program commenced in Suva this week, focusing on equipping participants with essential tools to combat crime.
The training, which began on Monday at Suvavou House, includes attendance from police investigators, staff from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Fiji Revenue and Customs Services (FRCS), and prosecutors from the ODPP.
During the opening of the event, acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci emphasized the importance of the training, stating that it aims to assist attendees in understanding information gathering and litigation under the Proceeds of Crimes Act.
The program features two workshop sessions. Detective Superintendent Adrian Morton, a senior liaison officer with the AFP, noted that the specialized training for Fiji would equip investigators and prosecutors with effective methods for addressing money laundering and asset confiscation.
“The AFP believes that tracking finances and seizing assets will hinder crime syndicates from profiting,” Morton remarked. He expressed optimism that the collaborative efforts of all participating agencies during the workshops would enhance the forfeiture of assets linked to criminal activities in Fiji.
Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva underscored the necessity of building capacity within law enforcement and prosecution sectors to manage the increasing crime rate effectively.