Bolstering ASEAN cooperation in combating transnational crime

Secretary of the Interior and Local Government of the Philippines Juanito Victor C. Remulla Jr. chaired the meeting, which brought together representatives from all 11 ASEAN member states and the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN.

In his opening remarks, Secretary Remulla emphasized that criminal networks operate across borders, heavily exploiting scientific and technological advancements to execute illegal activities. Facing this reality, ASEAN countries have to strengthen law enforcement cooperation to safeguard public peace and ensure national and regional security and safety.

At the plenary session, delegates reviewed results in combating transnational crime, identified emerging difficulties and challenges, and discussed solutions to enhance regional cooperation. ASEAN’s priority areas for prevention and enforcement include human trafficking, drug trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, and arms smuggling.

Addressing the conference, Deputy Minister Nguyen Ngoc Lam affirmed that, in response to the tight connectivity and cross-border networks of transnational crimes, such as online fraud, illegal online gambling, money laundering, and economic offenses, the Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam has deployed comprehensive, synchronized preventive and enforcement measures while actively bolstering international cooperation with regional partners.

Observing that transnational criminals will continue to exploit digital transformation, emerging technologies, and the open nature of economies through increasingly sophisticated tactics, Deputy Minister Nguyen Ngoc Lam proposed four core cooperation priorities for ASEAN law enforcement agencies:

First, ASEAN member states should actively coordinate to effectively implement the cooperation contents and documents agreed upon at the ASEAN Law Enforcement High-Level Conference on Cooperation in Combatting Criminal Fugitives, hosted by the Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam in Ha Noi from September 29 to October 2, under the spirit of "For a Crime-Free ASEAN."

Second, alongside enhancing the coordination and implementation of transnational crime prevention programs, ASEAN should focus on translating regional commitments and initiatives into effective, practical enforcement mechanisms accompanied by clear roadmaps and evaluation criteria.

Third, regarding the completion of legal frameworks, countries should strengthen the signing of bilateral treaties on extradition and the transfer of sentenced persons, while accelerating procedures to ratify the ASEAN Extradition Treaty (signed in November 2025 in the Philippines). This will serve as a vital foundation for improving crime prevention and control, particularly regarding fugitive apprehension and high-tech crime.

Fourth, ASEAN should expand experience sharing, technical assistance, and capacity building, with a focus on launching joint operations against cross-border crime, conducting joint special cases, and tracing and recovering assets misappropriated and dispersed abroad by criminals.

The meeting agreed to endorse two draft declarations for submission to ASEAN leaders for official adoption at the 49th ASEAN Summit, scheduled for November 16–18, 2026, in the Philippines, including a declaration on Enhancing the Role of Law Enforcement Agencies in Emergency Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Relief (initiated by the Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam), and a declaration on Preventing Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Digital and Artificial Intelligence Environments (initiated by the Philippines).

On the sidelines of the meeting, Deputy Minister Nguyen Ngoc Lam held a courtesy meeting with Vice Minister of Public Security of China Lu Wuqin to further deepen bilateral cooperation between the two ministries, particularly in combating smuggling and apprehending fugitives.