ASEANAPOL Secretariat Attends 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly in Glasgow, Scotland

The ASEANAPOL Secretariat, led by Executive Director Police Colonel David Martinez Vinluan and Police Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Huu Ngoc, Director for Plans and Programs, participated in the 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly held in Glasgow, Scotland, from November 4-7, 2024. The General Assembly brought together law enforcement leaders, senior officials, and key representatives from law enforcement agencies worldwide to address the most pressing international security challenges. This high-profile event provided a critical platform for law enforcement organizations to enhance cooperation and build stronger partnerships in tackling transnational crimes, including terrorism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime. As an observer of INTERPOL, ASEANAPOL’s participation highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to fostering regional and global security through collaboration with INTERPOL and other international policing bodies.

During the General Assembly, Executive Director Vinluan and Senior Lieutenant Colonel Ngoc engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with INTERPOL leadership and member country delegations. These meetings focused on aligning ASEANAPOL’s mission and vision with INTERPOL’s broader objectives, reinforcing shared priorities in the fight against transnational crime. The discussions also underscored the importance of fostering deeper regional cooperation within ASEAN, as well as strengthening ties with the global community to address emerging threats. A key topic of discussion was the growing impact of advancements in information technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, which has significantly contributed to the rise of cyber-related crimes. These developments have emboldened transnational criminal activities, including cybercrime, online fraud, and digital terrorism, which pose significant challenges to law enforcement agencies worldwide.

In light of these evolving threats, both ASEANAPOL and INTERPOL highlighted the need for enhanced collaboration in intelligence-sharing and the use of cutting-edge technologies to combat cybercrimes and other emerging transnational threats. The General Assembly also provided an opportunity to explore new avenues for joint operations, specialized training, and capacity-building programs aimed at enhancing the operational readiness of law enforcement agencies. The engagement with INTERPOL leadership and delegations from around the world reaffirmed ASEANAPOL’s pivotal role in global law enforcement cooperation and its continued efforts to strengthen regional security. As ASEANAPOL continues to contribute to the global fight against crime, this participation in the INTERPOL General Assembly underscores its commitment to advancing safety and security not only within ASEAN but across the international law enforcement community.