Australian Consulate-General, Guangzhou
Media Release PD33/07 Date: 2/11/2007
New Era of Cooperation for AFP in China
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has further strengthened ties with its counterparts in China this week, with an official delegation launching the first Management of Serious Crime (MOSC) program in the country and officially opening the AFP's third post.
The Guangzhou office is strategically placed to enhance the ability of officers to target transnational crime syndicates and limit the illegal importation of illicit drugs into Australia.
The office began operations earlier this year, and an AFP officer is working with Chinese officials on a number of projects, including proposed training programs for police in relation to the identification and dismantling of clandestine laboratories used to manufacture precursor chemicals.
During a four-day visit, Commissioner Mick Keelty joined members of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security to enhance the joint strategy to combat transnational crime, particularly in the area of drug trafficking with these two key initiatives.
The MOSC program – the first of its kind to be delivered in China - is the AFP’s highest level training course for the sharing of skills, information and strategies needed to deal with serious crime. It focuses on creating collaborative national and international networks between law enforcement agencies in South East Asia.
Eighteen Chinese police officers will be trained by AFP officers at the Hangzhou Training College in Zhejiang Province over a three-week period.
The AFP believes that the MOSC program, along with the opening of the AFP’s third China post in Guangzhou, will be integral for future cooperation between Australia and China in the area of law enforcement.
For further information, please contact Ms Willow Li, Research Assistant on 020 3814 0186.