On August 28, 2024, in conjunction with the International Symposium on Cybercrime Response (ISCR) in Seoul, South Korea, the ASEANAPOL Secretariat, led by Executive Director Police Colonel David Martinez Vinluan, held a courtesy meeting with Mr. Woo Jong-soo, Deputy Commissioner General for Investigation of the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA). Executive Director Vinluan was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr. Bakri Zainal Abidin, Director for Police Services, and Police Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Huu Ngoc, Director for Plans and Programmes. They were welcomed by Mr. Woo and key KNPA officers, including Mr. Ham Young-wook, Director of the Cybercrime Investigation Division; Mr. Lee Mansung, Senior Inspector of the Cyber International Cooperation Section; Ms. Kang Narae, Inspector of the Cyber Sexual Violence Investigation Section; and Ms. Won, who served as the Coordinator and Translator.
In his remarks, Mr. Woo expressed his appreciation for ASEANAPOL’s collaborative efforts and underscored the KNPA’s commitment to working closely with ASEAN member countries in addressing key issues, including the distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and combating drug-related crimes. He reaffirmed KNPA’s dedication to supporting ASEANAPOL’s capacity-building initiatives and operational support, particularly in enhancing cybersecurity measures across the law enforcement agencies of ASEAN Member Countries (AMCs).
During the meeting, Executive Director Vinluan outlined the mission of the ASEANAPOL Secretariat and its ongoing initiatives, emphasizing its critical role in fostering cooperation among ASEAN police forces. He highlighted the Secretariat’s efforts in facilitating intelligence sharing and coordinating joint actions to address transnational crimes such as human trafficking, cybercrime, drug smuggling, and terrorism. Vinluan stressed the importance of deepening collaboration with KNPA to effectively tackle these growing threats and affirmed ASEANAPOL’s commitment to maintaining a strong foundation for regional law enforcement cooperation through continuous dialogue and strategic partnerships with the KNPA.
The meeting concluded with both sides identifying promising areas for future collaboration and recognizing the need for strengthened partnerships between law enforcement agencies and international organizations. This enhanced cooperation is vital in confronting the complex challenges posed by modern transnational crime, particularly in the realm of cybercrime, and in ensuring a safer cyberspace for both regions.
“Together We Keep This Region Safe"