International Police Cooperation Forum: Premier Cho Says Law Enforcement Cooperation Should Not Be Hindered by Political Barriers

(CNA Taipei, June 23) The International Police Cooperation Forum, held today and tomorrow, focuses on "Combating Cross-Border Crime." Approximately 211 participants from 43 countries are expected to attend. Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that cross-border criminal law enforcement cooperation should not be obstructed by various political differences.

The opening ceremony of the "2026 International Police Cooperation Forum - Seminar on Combating Cross-Border Crime" was held today at the Grand Mayfull Hotel Taipei. The event is jointly organized by the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ocean Affairs Council Coast Guard Administration, and the Financial Supervisory Commission, and undertaken by the National Police Agency. Premier Cho Jung-tai, International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) President DAVID RAUSCH, and American Institute in Taiwan Director Brent Christensen were in attendance.

Distinguished foreign guests included five top police chiefs and 52 practical experts and high-level representatives from international organizations and foreign law enforcement agencies specializing in combating cross-border fraud. Diplomatic envoys and heads of domestic relevant agencies and law enforcement experts were also present. Approximately 211 participants from 43 countries are expected.

In his address, Premier Cho stated that cross-border crime has become a very serious challenge for all countries today. Facing this trend, the government must move from investigating individual cases to overall governance. It must also leverage technological applications, inter-departmental integration, and joint intelligence sharing and utilization to strengthen crime prevention, financial tracing, and various aspects of cross-border law enforcement cooperation to block crime at its source.

He mentioned that in recent years, the government has vigorously cracked down on various illegal groups. In August 2024, it launched the 165 Anti-Fraud Dashboard, which uses big data analysis to present various types of criminal methods to the public. Since its launch, the national average number of fraud cases reported has decreased by approximately 20%, and the financial losses have also decreased by approximately 46%. Inter-ministerial efforts are ongoing.

Premier Cho stated that cross-border drug interdiction also achieved concrete results last year, with 300 kilograms of etonitazene imported from South Asian countries seized. Simultaneously, the largest smuggling case by fishing vessel in history was broken, with 1.8 metric tons of ketamine seized, blocking drug supply chains, tracing back to behind-the-scenes criminal syndicates. This work has no finish line.

In response to recent emerging drugs repeatedly causing major social incidents, Premier Cho announced that the Executive Yuan has elevated etonitazene to a Category 1 narcotic through the Narcotics Hazard Prevention and Control Council. Efforts are being strengthened in three major areas: "deterrence at the source, enhanced interdiction, and severe punishment for drug-impaired driving," along with 14 specific actions. A central command group for combating organized crime and illegal drugs has been established, focusing on legal perfection, strengthening public health inspection capacity, and enhancing law enforcement. All drug interdiction units are integrated to exert maximum force to curb illegal elements.

Premier Cho said that Taiwan will continue to curb the expansion of complex criminal challenges. However, when criminal networks have already crossed national borders, no country can fight alone. Law enforcement cooperation should not be hindered by various political differences. Taiwan has accumulated rich experience in investigating various crimes over the years and looks forward to joint research, sharing, and exchange with everyone. Taiwan is always willing to be a trustworthy nation in the international community. It is hoped that the exchanges during this two-day forum will develop forward-looking and practical approaches, and also let criminal groups know that governments worldwide are increasing their efforts to punish offenders.

Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang also stated that this is the 8th International Police Cooperation Forum. It continues to bring together law enforcement agencies, security experts, and international partners from around the world to exchange experiences, share perspectives, and deepen cooperative relationships. It has gradually become an important platform for police exchanges in the Indo-Pacific region, and in the future, it will continue to work hand-in-hand with global partners to make greater contributions to global security.

The National Police Agency stated in a press release that this forum, themed "Combating Cross-Border Crime," includes keynote speeches and four thematic seminars. Topics cover "Telecommunications Fraud and Human Trafficking," "Illicit Financial Flows and Money Laundering," "Drug Crimes," and "Gangs and Organized Crime."

Concurrently, police and judicial officials from the five continents have been invited as keynote speakers, moderators, and panelists. Through insightful analysis and professional perspectives, they will discuss current cross-border crime situations and challenges, and share law enforcement experiences and countermeasures from various countries.

In addition, National Police Agency Director-General Huang Ming-chao delivered a keynote speech on Taiwan's current public security policies and response measures, sharing with foreign guests the achievements and prevention strategies in combating fraud, drugs, money laundering, and organized crime, demonstrating the professional capabilities of Taiwan's police in maintaining public security and fighting crime. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 0623

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