Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group strengthens collaborative efforts
The Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group (FELEG) recently convened in Melbourne, where member agencies shared intelligence, strategies, and operational outcomes to enhance national security and combat criminal activities. Comprising law enforcement agencies from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, FELEG is dedicated to safeguarding the rule of law and protecting communities from transnational serious organized crime.
Under the leadership of Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Reece Kershaw, the Annual Principals’ Meeting was held from May 8-11, reaffirming the group’s commitment to combating transnational crime and ensuring collective national security. Key areas of focus include targeting crime enablers involved in money laundering for illicit drug syndicates, individuals within supply chain and logistics industries, and disrupting encrypted communications utilized by offenders to conceal criminal activities on certain platforms.
Commissioner Kershaw emphasized the importance of FELEG in maintaining the safety of Australia and the wider region, particularly in the face of evolving criminal threats and technological advancements. He stressed the need for proactive and innovative measures to identify and disrupt criminal activities, ensuring that FELEG goes beyond mere observation by actively preventing criminals from gaining a foothold in member countries.
Graeme Biggar, Director General of the UK National Crime Agency (NCA), expressed pride in the NCA’s membership in FELEG and highlighted the need for collaboration in countering the ever-evolving nature of serious organized crime. He emphasized the importance of sharing information, intelligence, and best practices to effectively combat criminals who seek to harm communities globally.
New Zealand Police (NZP) Commissioner Andrew Coster emphasized the significance of the FELEG partnership in contributing to the global response to common challenges. By pooling resources and expertise, the partnership enhances the ability to ensure public safety and effectively investigate and prosecute crimes across international borders.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Commissioner Mike Duheme highlighted the role of technology in enabling criminal actors to operate beyond national jurisdictions. He emphasized the importance of real-time information sharing and collaborative efforts to combat transnational crime effectively.
FELEG’s collaboration extends to the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations (ICE/HSI), and the UK’s Counter Terrorism Policing. The partnership facilitates a multi-faceted approach to combating international criminal activities, including money laundering, intellectual property theft, trade-based crimes, and immigration violations.
The collective efforts of FELEG aim to address the inherent transnational nature of serious organized crime and mitigate its impact on communities. By fostering strong communication and cooperation among trusted law enforcement counterparts worldwide, FELEG plays a vital role in enhancing global law enforcement efforts.
