Media Release: The AFP and FBI unite against terrorism and transnational crime

Release Date: Saturday, July 14 2012, 08:00 AM

This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and the FBI

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have boosted their collaboration in the global fight against terrorism and transnational crime by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Washington, DC, today (Friday, 13 July).

AFP Commissioner Tony Negus and FBI Deputy Director Sean Joyce signed the Combating transnational crime, combating terrorism and developing law enforcement cooperation MoU at FBI Headquarters.

AFP Commissioner Tony Negus said the MoU formalises decades of cooperation between the AFP and FBI and solidifies the strong ties between the two agencies.

“The AFP and FBI share a warm working relationship and a history of close policing and common values,” Commissioner Negus said.

“The partnership cemented today will further strengthen national security ties and reflects our united commitment to combatting crimes such as terrorism, countering illicit drugs and money laundering.

“This MoU will be particularly beneficial in the areas of exchange of information and technology and during coordinated operations.”

Deputy Director Joyce said “we value our partnership with the AFP and will continue to share intelligence, coordinate operational efforts and seek opportunities to cross-train our personnel to address criminal and security threats that impact both the US and Australia.”

The FBI and the AFP’s long-standing strategic alliance is strengthened through the FBI’s Legal Attache office in Canberra, opened in 1972, and the Sydney sub-office, opened in 2006. As well, liaison occurs frequently between the International Operations Division, FBIHQ, and the AFP liaison officers assigned to the Embassy of Australia in Washington, DC.

The AFP cooperates with its international law enforcement partners through its International network, which includes more than 100 officers deployed to over 29 locations worldwide.

The AFP formally opened a liaison post in Washington, DC, in 1983.

Media enquiries:
AFP National Media - (02) 6131 6333
FBI National Press Office (USA) - (202) 324 3691