Vietnam is urging heightened cooperation among ASEAN countries to more effectively combat transnational crime and apprehend criminal fugitives within the region. At a recent meeting in Hà Nội with ASEAN delegation leaders and representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng emphasized the need for enhanced bilateral extradition and prisoner-transfer agreements. He also called for the swift ratification of the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition.
Prime Minister Hưng underscored the importance of establishing robust mechanisms to verify information, locate, arrest, and transfer fugitives between ASEAN nations. He highlighted the increased utilization of INTERPOL and ASEANAPOL databases, along with direct information-sharing channels, as essential tools to support investigative efforts and thwart emerging forms of transnational crime.
The Prime Minister proposed more frequent exchanges between law-enforcement agencies across member states, specialized training programs, and strengthened collaboration in technology and digital transformation. These measures aim to boost the region’s capacity to prevent and investigate cross-border crimes.
During the conference, ASEAN members adopted a Joint Action Plan and a Joint Declaration, both designed to bolster regional cooperation in tracking and apprehending criminal fugitives. This collective effort marks a significant step forward in addressing the challenges posed by transnational crime in Southeast Asia.