Vietnam, Australia set up transnational crime agency

Vietnam and Australia have set up an agency to combat transnational crimes like terrorism, drugs and weapons trafficking, and economic crimes.

The agency, which opened in Ho Chi Minh City yesterday, has been formed by the Ministry of Public Security and the Australian State Police.

Deputy Minister of Public Security Lt Gen Le The Tiem said the agency had been set up with deep understanding between the two sides and followed agreements between the countries on crime prevention in Hanoi in 2006 and in Australia last year.

Its main functions are to collect, analyse and process information on crimes like terrorism, smuggling, trafficking of drugs and weapons, human trafficking, and trans-border economic offences.

It has to set up close co-operation with border guards, coast guards and customs to deal with crimes at borders.

Tony Negus, commander of the State Police, said the new agency would help combat trans-border drug smuggling and other crimes across regions.