HK stepping up efforts to combat international crime
Collaboration with overseas jurisdictions in cases of money laundering and confiscation of the proceeds of serious crime are well up on previous years, according to government figures.
The Hong Kong Police exchanged 459 requests with the US, Canada, Australia and other countries for assistance in money laundering and confiscation of proceeds of serious crime last year compared with 207 in 2001and 97 in 1997.
Speaking at the International Association of Prosecutors conference in Washington, DC on Thursday, Director of Public Prosecutions Grenville Cross SC cited the figures as evidence of the territory's commitment to international co-operation in fighting terrorism.
As of the end of June this year, Hong Kong had also signed or initialled 26 mutual legal assistance agreements with other countries and there might be more soon, Mr Cross said.
'These figures demonstrate Hong Kong's commitment to working in tandem with others to locate and to strike at illicit assets. By its laws and by its actions, Hong Kong has placed itself at the forefront of the fight against international criminal activity and it is our firm intention to remain there.'
Mr Cross also noted that Hong Kong had recently signed the Container Security Initiative with the US and legislation was in the pipeline to implement the Bombings Convention, the Maritime Safety Convention, and facilitate the seizure of non-fund property.
'We are aware of the possible abuse of our status as an international city by those who would wish to launder illicit money through our financial system,' he said.
