There is an urgent need for an effective and coherent international response to the menace of transnational organized crime, a Hong Kong official said here Monday on the first day of the Transnational Organized Crime Conference 2002.
Grenville Cross, director of Public Prosecutions of the Department of Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, described as vital the need for effective modes of mutual legal assistance, asset tracing and cooperation amongst law enforcement personnel.
Though it would not be right to regard organized crime as a new phenomenon, Cross pointed out what was new was the extent to which organized criminal networks, including triad societies, had diversified their activities and spread their tentacles across the globe.
For the practical results in the combat against terrorism, Cross rendered concerted action vital to the regulation of border controls, the establishment of more effective networks and mechanisms to track and intercept the financing of terrorists as well as the sharing of intelligence and experience.
Cross also called upon the Hong Kong law enforcers to make full use of their strength, resources and ingenuity to strengthen international cooperation in the fight against crime.
In his speech, Cross praised the Hong Kong police for their vision and initiative to organize this conference, which would map the course of future cooperation among law enforcers from different countries and regions.
"Hong Kong is at the forefront of the fight against international criminal activity, and it was our firm intention to remain there", Cross said.
( March 19, 2002)
