ASEAN boosts co-operation in combating transnational crime

The 13th ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC 13) concluded in the central city of Da Nang on June 20.

ASEAN boosts co-operation in combating transnational crime

Addressing the closing ceremony, Director General of the Ministry of Public Security General Department of Crime Prevention and Control, Lieutenant General. Phan Van Vinh, thanked the participants for their contributions to the success of the meeting.

He said he hopes that each member nation will join with others in the ASEAN community and through their friendship and co-operative relations promote economic development, particularly in combating crime, in order to reach their goals of peace, stability and an equal development environment.

Under the chair of Vietnam, ASEAN delegations were updated on the results of the 2010-2012 SOMTC Programme and ideas were recommended for the 2013-2015 term.


The participants exchanged views on national and regional efforts in combating transnational crime. Reports showed that the problem is growing more complex with the advances in science and technology and improved transport between countries.

To cope with the situation, ASEAN members have implemented numerous effective measures, including sharing information, collaborating in transnational crime investigations, perfecting legal systems, and co-operating in training law enforcement officials.

Vietnamhas actively committed to ASEAN co-operation in the field. In addition to programmes and plans to repress crime, the country has enhanced co-operation with other nations in the region to reduce terrorism risks and organised and transnational crime through sharing information, organising training and collaborating in investigating crimes using high tech methods.

In its report at SOMTC 13, Vietnam reiterated its commitment to the  statements on combating crime issued at past ASEAN Summits and SOMTCs, and will contribute to building the ASEAN Political-Security Community and an ASEAN Community by 2015.

Vietnamhas amended articles related to terrorism, high-tech crimes and human trafficking in its Criminal Code in order to perfect the legal basis for international co-operation. The country has also joined and ratified nine of the 16 international anti-terrorism treaties and is currently developing its own law on the topic.

In addition, Vietnam has ratified the UN Convention against Transnational Crime (TOC) and the supplementary Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children. The country’s own law on preventing and fighting human trafficking took effect on January 1, 2012./.

VNA