INTERPOL & SAPS tackle transnational organised crime

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the International Criminal Police Organisation, INTERPOL, are strengthening ties, as it tackles transnational organised crimes carried out from the country.

INTERPOL Secretary General, Jürgen Stock, embarked on a two-day visit to Pretoria this week. Stock held discussions with the SAPS leaders to better understand their priorities and ensure INTERPOL’s support is effective. He emphasised the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational organised crime.

“Transnational organised crime networks increasingly constitute a threat to national security. They are becoming stronger by the day.”

INTERPOL’s unique role connects South Africa to police in 195 other countries, enhancing global security. Stock praised South Africa’s leadership in international police cooperation, noting its significant contributions to INTERPOL databases.

A key initiative in this cooperation is the deployment of the “INTERPOL Mobile Device” in South Africa. This device allows officers to access police data in real-time, even without network availability. It is said that it will aid in cross-border investigations and preventing criminals from evading detection.

“Our goal is that these devices help South African officers make more connections in cross-border investigations, identify more fugitives, and prevent more criminals from crossing borders undetected,” said INTERPOL Secretary-General, Dr Jurgen Stock. IMAGE: Supplied

South African National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, echoed Stock’s sentiments, detailing recent successes in combating transnational crime.

“The visit of the Secretary General comes at a time when the South African Police Service is intensifying its efforts to prevent and combat transnational organised crime.”

He highlighted significant drug busts, including the dismantling of an R2 billion drug laboratory in Limpopo (in which Mexican nationals were implicated) and the seizure of R252 million worth of cocaine in the Western Cape (with a Russian national arrested).

INTERPOL’s collaboration with South Africa has also led to the takedown of major international crime syndicates. This includes the Black Axe takedown in April 2022, and the arrest of an Israeli gang leader in November 2022. Additionally, South Africa has been proactive in extraditing fugitives and issuing INTERPOL notices for wanted individuals and missing persons.

Masemola says the devices will enhance the SAPS ability to combat crime.

“These mobile devices are linked to the INTERPOL database, giving us greater reach and accessibility of global data on criminals and criminal activities.”