Deputy Minister of Public Security Trần Quốc Tỏ at the meeting with Jacqueline Maguire, Assistant Director of the Training Division at the US’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in Quantico, Virginia. — Photo tuoitre.vn

WASHINGTON — Deputy Minister of Public Security Trần Quốc Tỏ recently met with Jacqueline Maguire, Assistant Director of the Training Division at the US’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in Quantico, Virginia, with their discussion focusing on training and collaboration.

At the August 3 meeting, To expressed satisfaction at the effective cooperation between the ministry and the bureau in combating crime, law enforcement, and maintaining public order, particularly since the signing of their memorandum of understanding on transnational crime prevention in 2019.

Since that year, the ministry has facilitated over 300 FBI requests for criminal information exchange related to case investigations, support for prosecution, and trial proceedings. In 2023 alone, it handed over five fugitives to US law enforcement agencies. Additionally, between 2021 and now, the ministry has assisted in freezing 17 accounts based on FBI requests, estimated to be worth over 600,000 USD.

The official praised the FBI's goodwill in helping the ministry enhance the capabilities of Vietnamese law enforcement officials and run numerous training workshops on cybercrime, money laundering, and other transnational crimes.

He proposed the two sides continue to effectively implement the 2019 MoU and that the FBI provide adequate support for Việt Nam's investigative efforts. Tỏ also called for the sides' early signing of treaties on mutual legal assistance, extradition, and the transfer of sentenced persons.

The official suggested increasing all-level exchanges to share information on mutual interests and that the FBI support Việt Nam with modern equipment, technology transfer, and specialised solutions serving crime prevention.

Regarding training cooperation with the FBI Academy, he asked for continued scholarships, training programmes, and capacity-building opportunities for Vietnamese officers in the US, as well as the exchange of expertise, training materials, and the organisation of conferences and workshops on crime prevention, leadership skills, and English language training.

The deputy minister took the occasion to extend greetings to the FBI on its 116th anniversary (July 26, 1908 – 2024) and expressed his hope that the bureau will remain an active partner of the ministry in maintaining security and safety for the benefit of Vietnamese and US citizens, thus deepening and enhancing the countries’ relations. — VNS