Sydney, Nov 29: In a strategic move to enhance national security and tackle crime at its roots, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has inaugurated a new liaison office in Paris, with plans for a potential post in Berlin under evaluation.
The expansion aims to fortify intelligence sharing and collaboration on an international scale.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw expressed gratitude to the Directors-General of the French National Police and the Gendarmerie Nationale during his visit to Paris, acknowledging their unprecedented support.
The establishment of the Paris Post brings the AFP’s offshore presence to 34 countries, with over 200 members stationed abroad.
A 12-month feasibility study is currently underway to assess the benefits of opening an AFP post in Berlin.
Commissioner Kershaw emphasized that these strategic moves align with the AFP’s objectives of safeguarding Australians and protecting the nation’s interests, particularly in a time of significant global instability.
The Paris office is strategically positioned to support the AFP’s goals, facilitating timely information exchange and collaboration in combating transnational serious organized crime, cybercrime, and extremism. It strengthens police-to-police collaboration with France, a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The AFP’s Paris Post is supporting the broader strategic objectives to strengthen ties between the two countries through police-led diplomacy and enhance cooperation to counter threats in the Indo-Pacific region,’’ Commissioner Kershaw stated.
A potential AFP post in Berlin is currently being explored through the feasibility study.
Commissioner Kershaw highlighted that a Berlin post could foster stronger cooperation with the Federal Criminal Police Office of Germany (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the Federal Office for Information Security (Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik – BSI).
“A post in Berlin could set the groundwork for longer-term, strategic criminal forecasting and provides the opportunity to work closely with the BKA and BSI on science and related technologies, including encrypted communications,” he explained.
Holger Muench, President of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), emphasized the importance of global cooperation in combating organized crime, terrorism, and cybercrime.
He welcomed the potential AFP liaison office in Germany, stating that it would advance the existing cooperation between the two nations.
The AFP’s overseas network is a crucial component of its strategy to prevent criminal activities at their source, contributing to a more effective and secure approach to national security.
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