$44M Pacific Security Deal Targets Drugs, Crypto Laundering
Washington and Pacific island governments have agreed to step up joint action against drug cartels, cyber fraud operations, and money laundering that uses cryptocurrency. The United States has announced more than $44 million in support for law enforcement and maritime security programs across the region.
The US State Department issued a joint statement on Monday outlining the plan. It calls for intelligence sharing, stronger port security, and better training and equipment for regional police agencies. Officials say the measures will help investigators track transnational criminal groups operating in the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and the Americas.
The agreement grew out of the first US-Pacific Islands Police Ministers Conference, held in Los Angeles on October 21 and 22. Senior police officials from Pacific Island nations, Australia, New Zealand, France, the Philippines, and Ecuador took part, alongside representatives of US security agencies.
The event was jointly hosted by the United States and Palau. Admiral Kevin Lunde, Commandant of the US Coast Guard, and Jennifer Olegeril, Palau's Minister of Justice, co-chaired the conference. Tackling the growing threat of cybercrime networks with international reach is a major focus of the deal.
The statement said online scam rings have evolved into significant criminal enterprises. They rely on digital tools to defraud people and then move their illegal earnings through global financial systems.
Criminal groups are increasingly exploiting crypto transactions, underground financial channels, and weaknesses in the enforcement systems of various countries, according to the statement.
Countries that took part pledged to expand information sharing about online fraud networks, criminal organizational structures, and cryptocurrency-based money laundering. They also agreed to strengthen the investigative abilities of their cybercrime units, financial intelligence agencies, and enforcement bodies.
The United States has promised $5 million under the Pacific Alliance for Combating Illicit Finance and Cybercrime program.
The joint statement voiced concern about drug smuggling networks that are expanding between the Americas and Pacific islands. Methamphetamine, cocaine, and synthetic drugs, it said, are emerging as a serious danger to many communities.
Traffickers are using semi-submersible vessels, and such activity has been spotted in sea areas near Fiji, the Marshall Islands, and the Solomon Islands. Washington announced $4 million for the Regional Interdiction Partnership for Trafficking Intelligence, Disruption and Enforcement (RIPTIDE) program.
The initiative will operate alongside Interpol and the World Customs Organization. Its purpose is to connect drug seizure information with investigations into trafficking networks and their finances. The deal also highlights stronger maritime surveillance to prevent criminal organizations from exploiting the Pacific's vast shipping routes.