In an effort to bolster investigative and prosecutorial skills in response to the rising crime rates in the country, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) are conducting a training program in Suva this week.
Commencing on Monday at Suvavou House, the training involves participants from police investigations, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Fiji Revenue and Customs Services (FRCS), and ODPP prosecutors.
During the event, acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci stated, “The training aims to help investigators and prosecutors grasp information gathering and litigation procedures under the Proceeds of Crimes Act.”
The training is divided into two interactive sessions. AFP senior liaison officer, Detective Superintendent Adrian Morton, noted that this specialized training will equip Fijian investigators and prosecutors with effective strategies for addressing money laundering and asset confiscation.
“The AFP believes that tracing finances and seizing assets can significantly diminish the profit potential for crime syndicates,” Superintendent Morton remarked. “With the two workshops this week, we anticipate that various agencies will collaborate to empower investigators and litigators in enhancing the forfeiture of assets belonging to those who benefit from criminal activities in Fiji.”
Acting DPP, Nancy Tikoisuva, emphasized the importance of building capacity to improve skills necessary for controlling the alarming crime rates.