1 May 2003

Samoan government sets up anti crossborder crimes unit

2:41 pm on 1 May 2003

The Samoan government is setting up a Transnational Crimes Unit, under the department of Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele, to combat cross-border offences.

The unit seeks to protect Samoa from crimes such as people-smuggling, illegal migration, drug trafficking, money laundering, computer and cyber crimes such as pornography, and sexual crimes against women and children.

A press statement from the Prime Minister's office says the growth of transnational crime, aided by developments in information technology, warrants the need for Samoa to develop its capacity to respond quickly to any potential threat to national security.

Tuilaepa has acknowledged the support of the Australian government including the provision of a technical adviser to assist in the formation of the unit, as well as upcoming training for unit members.

The unit will comprise officers from the ministries of Police, Customs, and Inland Revenues, as well as the Attorney General's Office, and will liaise with similar agencies and other governments, both regionally and abroad .