The Australian Federal Police’s (AFP) 2020-21 Annual Report declares that operational successes, including world-leading arrests and disruptions, had helped the Force develop trusted and unparalleled relationships with law enforcement Agencies around the world.
According to the Report, the AFP’s international reach was bolstered by members posted to 33 countries and seven Police Development Missions.
“The AFP maintained a presence in all these countries during the pandemic,” the Report said.
It said outcomes included 38.4 tonnes of illicit drugs and precursors seized, equating to $15 billion in avoided harm; 922 alleged offenders charged with criminal offences, including the first person charged in Australia with foreign interference; and 25 alleged offenders charged resulting from terrorism investigations by the AFP and domestic partners.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said the Report outlined the complex and diverse investigations undertaken by the AFP, plus the support provided to law enforcement in Australia and abroad.
“The AFP’s maxim is policing for a safer Australia,” Commissioner Kershaw said.
“The pandemic may have presented challenges, but the AFP has revealed its agility to not only outflank the criminal environment, but provide key assistance to law enforcement across the globe,’’ he said.
“As of 30 June, Operation Ironside seized four tonnes of drugs and charged some of the most significant crime figures in the country.”
Commissioner Kershaw said the AFP also deployed a significant weapon in fighting crime — the AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Team (CACT), which made civil applications to strip the ill-gotten wealth from criminals.
“In the past financial year, the CACT has restrained criminal assets and successfully confiscated about $54 million, which has been directed to the Commonwealth’s Confiscated Assets Account,” he said.
“Those funds are redistributed by the Commonwealth into programs and initiatives that make our community safer and stronger,” Commissioner Kershaw said.
The AFP’s 158-page Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
