THE Commissioner, Criminal Investigation Bureau, Taiwan Ministry of Interior, Chou Yew-woei, has called for his country’s substantive participation in INTERPOL meetings to enhance global joint efforts to combat transnational crime through real-time intelligence exchange.
In a statement, Yew-woei said faced with a growing epidemic in transnational crime, the international community must strengthen intelligence exchange and deepen partnerships to improve cross-border law enforcement.
The commissioner wrote the statement as the 93rd General Assembly of INTERPOL is to take place in Morocco from November 24 to 27.
Founded in 1923, INTERPOL currently has 196 member states, making it the world’s second-largest international organisation after the United Nations. INTERPOL is an essential platform for global law enforcement cooperation. It closely monitors transnational criminal activity including terrorism, cybercrime, and organised crime, and conducts exchanges with law enforcement agencies worldwide through its network of National Central Bureaus
Yew-woei said: “We urge all countries to support Taiwan’s bid to participate as an observer in the INTERPOL General Assembly and to meaningfully engage in INTERPOL meetings, mechanisms, and activities, so that Taiwan and INTERPOL’s member states can engage in unhindered interactions.
“Taiwan remains committed to strengthening communications and cooperation with countries worldwide and working with the international community to combat transnational crime.”
He contended that Taiwan’s law enforcement authorities have extensive experience and expertise in crime prevention, public safety, and international cooperation.
“They have achieved significant success in areas such as combating drug smuggling and cyber fraud, earning Taiwan a strong reputation in the international community.
“However, Taiwan is unable to access INTERPOL’s databases, participate in its events, and share information with other countries in real time. This hampers Taiwan’s ability to counter transnational crime,, and undermines the security of Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific, and the rest of the world.
“Globalisation has accelerated the transnational development of crime. Criminals and illicit assets can move swiftly across borders, meaning that drug smuggling, human trafficking, cybercrime, and other illegal activities are not confined to individual countries or regions, but are challenges facing the whole international community.
“At a time when crime is becoming increasingly globalized and sophisticated, it is imperative for the world’s police to work together to build a seamless and inclusive global security network. Enhanced international cooperation is needed to effectively combat cross-border illegal activity and safeguard global stability. Taiwan’s participation in INTERPOL would enable countries to coordinate their efforts in an unimpeded manner, confront common threats, and uphold public safety and order…
“As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is ready to play a full part in fighting transnational crime, contributing to criminal investigations, and working with partner countries to protect the safety and property of people around the world.
“Taiwan has had success in combating telecom fraud, drug trafficking, and other cross-border crimes. In the fisheries sector, it has long-term experience in identifying vessels involved in human trafficking; forced labor; and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. “
But he noted that without access to INTERPOL’s I-24/7 global police communications system, Taiwan cannot share urgent information and join coordinated enforcement efforts in real time.
“Delays in reporting can lead to loss of evidence, failure to apprehend suspects, and unnecessary suffering of victims. Taiwan’s absence undermines the international law enforcement framework and creates a significant gap in global security. This should be recognized as a matter of serious concern,” he argued.
