Hanoi:Law enforcement agencies from ASEAN member states convened in a high-level conference to discuss enhancing regional cooperation against criminal fugitives. This event took place in Hanoi on September 30, hosted by Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security.
According to Lao News Agency, the conference aimed to update and discuss national strategies and collective efforts to tackle the challenges posed by criminal fugitives. Participants emphasized the need to strengthen legal frameworks and coordination among member states.
Vietnam’s delegation shared its efforts in apprehending fugitives, highlighting the increasing challenges from criminals leveraging technology and digital tools. The Ministry of Public Security has been proactive in enhancing the effectiveness of fugitive searches and arrests to bolster national security and public order.
The Lao delegation commended the collaborative efforts with Vietnam, particularly in information sharing and combating drug-related and transnational crimes. Both countries have successfully coordinated in capturing fugitives crossing borders to evade justice, focusing on crimes such as gambling, high-tech offenses, and drug trafficking.
Reports from other ASEAN delegations underscored the importance of improving legal frameworks, inter-agency cooperation, and law enforcement capabilities. They addressed operations targeting transnational crimes including online fraud, cyber gambling, and human trafficking.
Vietnam’s role in promoting regional cooperation was highlighted, particularly its proposal for the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Enhancing Cooperation in Locating and Arresting Criminal Fugitives, adopted at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in 2025. This declaration serves as a political foundation for enhanced coordination among ASEAN countries.
The high-level conference concluded with strategic solutions agreed upon to improve cooperation through ASEAN’s mechanisms, including a joint statement and a draft joint action plan to combat criminal fugitives.
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, in a pre-recorded message, emphasized the growing complexity of transnational crime and the need for coordinated law enforcement efforts. He praised Vietnam’s initiative in the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration, which lays the groundwork for stronger regional cooperation in addressing these challenges.
