The 13^th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Trans-national Crime (SOMTC), the second of its kind to be held in Viet Nam, is taking place at the Furama Resort Da Nang from 18 - 21 June.

This year’s event is being attended by representatives from 10 ASEAN member nations.  During the 4-day event, participants will discuss ways to prevent and fight against terrorism, human trafficking, piracy, trading in illicit arms and drugs, cybercrime, money laundering, and hi-tech and international economic crime.

Lt Gen Tuyen speaking at the press conference

In addition, they will share their experiences in preventing and fighting against trans-national crimes, as well as discuss how to improve their professional skills and access the latest technology and means to fulfil their tasks well.

At yesterday’s press conference in the city, the Deputy Head of the General Department of Crime Prevention and Control of the Ministry of Public Security, Lt Gen Do Kim Tuyen, pointed out the complications of trans-national crimes.  He confirmed that the global economic downturn has resulted in a higher number of unemployed people.  This is considered to be the main reason for the increasing number of criminals in society.

He noted that worldwide criminal gangs often collude with each other to carry out their criminal activities.