12/04/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/03/2022 15:31
Editor's note: Images of fugitives and audio grabs from AFP Commander Richard Chin available via this hightail link.
Eighteen wanted criminals in Australia and offshore have been tracked down by the AFP's specialist Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (FAST), which has worked with state and international authorities to facilitate their extradition.
The AFP can today reveal FAST's operational success, including details of ten separate investigations into offshore fugitives wanted in Australia, and alleged criminals living in Australia wanted by overseas authorities.
Those finalised investigations include:
The other eight matters are unable to be disclosed at this stage for operational or judicial reasons.
The FAST was established by the AFP in February 2021, and is a dedicated AFP transnational capability focussed on pursuing and arresting fugitives wanted for serious Commonwealth, state and territory offences.
AFP Commander Transnational Crime Richard Chin said FAST had a laser focus on identifying and bringing to justice serious criminals hiding in Australia, and those fugitives overseas wanted by Australian law enforcement.
"In fewer than two years, FAST has landed a serious blow against criminals trying to evade law enforcement,'' Commander Chin said.
"There is no safe haven for international offenders living in Australia.
"Equally, those offshore fugitives wanted by Australian authorities should know the AFP is coming, and one by one we are locating them, and working with our partners to bring them back to Australia to face the justice system.
"Few agencies have offshore capabilities like that of the AFP. The AFP is posted in 33 countries and our partnerships with overseas law enforcement agencies provides invaluable intelligence sharing and cooperation to help protect Australia and our way of life."
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