Vietnam is urging stronger collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to tackle transnational crime and capture criminal fugitives. In a meeting held 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 among member states. He also called for the swift ratification of the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition.
The prime minister highlighted the importance of effective mechanisms for verifying information, locating, arresting, and transferring fugitives across the region. He advocated for the increased use of INTERPOL and ASEANAPOL databases, coupled with direct information-sharing channels, to bolster investigations and thwart emerging forms of transnational crime.
In addition to legal frameworks and information sharing, Hưng proposed more frequent exchanges between law enforcement agencies within ASEAN. He suggested that specialized training programs and closer cooperation in technology and digital transformation are essential to enhance the region’s capability to prevent and investigate cross-border crime.
The meeting culminated in the adoption of an ASEAN Joint Action Plan and a Joint Declaration, both aimed at fortifying regional cooperation against criminal fugitives. These initiatives reflect a collective commitment by ASEAN countries to address the challenges posed by transnational crime more effectively.