Valdecy Urquiza

@INTERPOL_HQ Secretary General, Valdecy Urquiza.

Together against crime.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

🇫🇷 J’ai eu le plaisir d’accueillir Étienne Guyot, Préfet de la région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, au siège d'INTERPOL, aux côtés du président de l'Organisation, Lucas Philippe.

Cette rencontre a été l’occasion d’échanger sur le projet d'agrandissement d'@INTERPOL_HQ, une initiative qui marque une étape importante dans le partenariat entre l'Organisation et notre pays hôte, la France.

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I was pleased to welcome Étienne Guyot, Prefect of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, to our headquarters, together with INTERPOL President Lucas Philippe.

The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the future extension of @INTERPOL_HQ, a project that marks another important step in the partnership between the Organization and our host country, France.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

🇦🇹 With Austria’s strong legacy within INTERPOL - where it was founded in 1923 - it was a pleasure to welcome Dr Franz Ruf, Director General for Public Security.

Accompanied by Andreas Holzer, Director of Criminal Intelligence Service Austria and Head of NCB Vienna, our discussions focused on shared security priorities, including the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, particularly in the fight against transnational organized crime.

Austria’s position in Central Europe and at the end of the Balkan Route creates security challenges that call for international approaches to law enforcement.

As criminal threats continue to evolve across borders, effective partnerships such as these remain essential to ensuring police can work together effectively to keep communities safe.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

The terrorist threat facing Africa is evolving rapidly, including increased links with transnational organized crime in areas such as illicit gold mining and arms trafficking.

At the same time, we are seeing greater convergence with cybercrime, as crypto-based fraud schemes, AI-enabled online scams and money-laundering networks are increasingly being used to finance terrorist activities.

Addressing the @_AfricanUnion (AU) Peace and Security Council, I highlighted how stronger international cooperation, intelligence sharing and operational coordination are essential to helping law enforcement stay ahead of these interconnected threats.

A key part of that effort is the work of INTERPOL's Special Representative to the African Union Office, which helps strengthen collaboration between African and global law enforcement partners.

Building on this commitment to partnership and capacity-building, I was also pleased to see the Ethiopian Police University join the INTERPOL Global Academy Network, a step that will further strengthen professional development and police cooperation across the region.

My thanks to the Ethiopian Federal Police Commissioner General, Demelash Gebremichael Weldeyes, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. @ymahmoudali and the Chair of the AU Peace and Security Council, Ambassador Churchill Ewumbue-Monono for the productive discussions, and to colleagues in NCB Addis Ababa for the warm welcome.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

Preparations are well underway for our upcoming General Assembly in Hong Kong, China, where senior law enforcement leaders from around the world will come together to strengthen international cooperation and address the evolving threats shaping our global security landscape.

Productive discussions with Commissioner of @hkpoliceforce Chow Yat-ming, Joe and with Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung provided valuable opportunities to discuss arrangements for this important gathering.

As we move closer to the General Assembly, our focus remains on bringing together police leaders from across the globe to foster collaboration, strengthen partnerships and advance our collective response to today’s most pressing criminal challenges.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

INTERPOL knows the value of strong partnerships and collective response. This year’s Global Security Forum in Doha was focused on alliances - a theme that could not be more timely.

The threats that surround us in cybercrime, fraud, narcotics and more, are most dangerous when they can easily exploit weaknesses in global systems. Bringing stability to this environment is not an easy task, but it is much more difficult when we attempt to do it alone.

This important event, held under the auspices of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, provided an opportunity to reaffirm our partnerships and our shared commitment to global security.

Qatar has long been a key partner in the global fight against crime, particularly through Project Stadia, a pioneer in the field of security of major events.

Events like this one give us the chance to strengthen those bonds in person. I’m confident that discussions with H.E. Abdullah bin Khalaf bin Hattab Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of the @MOI_Qatar, will further strengthen cooperation between INTERPOL and Qatar.

I was also pleased to spend time with our Executive Committee Delegate for Asia, @AMohammedAlAli. Together, we attended Milipol, which consistently showcases the latest technologies dedicated to helping shape a modern law enforcement response.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

A productive first day with the Executive Committee at @INTERPOL_HQ.

The discussions taking place now are crucial for the Organization as well as our member countries, which will come together next month at the General Assembly in Hong Kong, China.

As always, it's a pleasure to work closely with the President, Vice Presidents and Delegates of our Executive Committee, whose expertise, perspectives and commitment continue to support INTERPOL’s mission and global security.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

🇸🇬 It was a pleasure to welcome How Kwang Hwee, Commissioner of the @SingaporePolice, to @INTERPOL_HQ.

Singapore has long been a valued partner of INTERPOL, demonstrating leadership and a strong commitment to international police cooperation, especially as it is home to our Global Complex for Innovation.

I look forward to building on this longstanding partnership under Commissioner How’s leadership and exploring new opportunities to strengthen our collaboration.

We discussed our shared priorities for addressing evolving crime threats and I’m confident that our cooperation with Singapore will continue to deliver tangible benefits for police and the communities they serve around the world.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

Training is one of the most powerful tools we have to strengthen global law enforcement cooperation.

🇰🇪 Today, with Mohammed Ibrahim Amin, Director of @DCI_Kenya and INTERPOL Executive Committee Member for Africa, I was pleased to sign an agreement welcoming Kenya to the INTERPOL Global Academy Network. Ibrahim Jillo Aig, Commandant of Kenya's National Criminal Investigations Academy was also in attendance.

The Global Academy Network brings together leading law enforcement education institutions from around the world to develop and deliver training that helps police officers stay ahead of evolving criminal threats.

By joining this network, Kenya will contribute its expertise to a truly global approach to police training, strengthening capabilities, cooperation and preparedness across our 196 member countries.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

My recent engagements in the Czech Republic 🇨🇿 provided an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation with key national law enforcement and security partners, and to advance our shared commitment to international policing.

I was pleased to meet with Minister of the Interior @metnarl and hold discussions with colleagues at NCB Prague, whose work plays a vital role in supporting both national and cross-border investigations.

What stands out about the Czech Republic's engagement with INTERPOL is the breadth of its contribution.

From supporting operational action, such as the recent Operation Lionfish Mayag IV and hosting the INTERPOL Global Conference on Drugs and Illicit Substances, to advancing humanitarian efforts through I-Familia, Czech authorities continue to demonstrate the value of international cooperation.

That spirit of partnership was also visible in March, when Prague's Petřín Tower was illuminated in blue to honour fallen police officers around the world, a powerful reminder of the shared values that unite the global law enforcement community.

[INTERPOL @INTERPOL_HQ]

This week at the INTERPOL Global Conference on Drugs and Illicit Substances, more than 230 heads of national drug agencies, investigators and frontline specialists compared what is actually working against a market that keeps adapting.

Representing 106 countries, they shared national efforts, best practices and common challenges.

Beyond plenary sessions, bilateral meetings helped move forward individual cases and explore future operational efforts to dismantle networks and cut off trafficking routes.

INTERPOL will keep bringing what this conference builds to every member country: a trusted global information hub, analysis capabilities, coordinated operations and specialized expertise, so that law enforcement can target the manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs further up the chain.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

🇳🇴 Valuable discussions with Håkon Skulstad Norway's National Police Commissioner at @INTERPOL_HQ.

We exchanged views on the future challenges facing policing, from digital transformation and emerging technologies to ensuring law enforcement remains trusted, effective and prepared for the threats ahead.

By sharing knowledge, experience and ideas, we can build stronger policing capabilities and better prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.

Norway is a valued partner whose commitment to international police cooperation is reflected in everything from advanced forensic capabilities and innovation in policing, to support for tackling environmental crime and strengthening global security.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

🇳🇬 A pleasure to welcome Chief of the Nigeria @PoliceNG, Inspector General Olatunji Rilwan Disu to @INTERPOL_HQ.

As one of Africa’s leading contributors of data to INTERPOL’s global systems, Nigeria plays a key role in helping law enforcement detect and disrupt crime across borders.

We discussed how INTERPOL can support Nigeria in addressing major security challenges, including cybercrime, financial crime, terrorism and organized crime networks that increasingly operate across regions and jurisdictions.

Success against these threats depends on cooperation, information sharing and coordinated operational action. I look forward to further strengthening our partnership in the years ahead.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

🇬🇾 Over the past two days in Georgetown, it has been a privilege to meet with police leaders and law enforcement representatives at our Americas Regional Conference.

What I value most about gatherings like these is the opportunity to hear directly from colleagues about the challenges they are facing, the threats affecting their communities, and the innovative ways they are responding to them.

From cyber-enabled fraud and financial crime to drug trafficking, illegal mining and firearms smuggling, the message was clear: criminal networks are increasingly converging, diversifying their activities and operating across borders with growing sophistication.

That reality makes cooperation more important than ever – and we are seeing that happen in real time.

In 2025 alone, INTERPOL National Central Bureaus across the Americas shared over 30 per cent more police records compared to 2024. In turn this produced positive query results more than 50 per cent higher than the previous year - each one a potential breakthrough in a case.

The conversations we had in Georgetown this week – both in and out of the conference room - will help shape how INTERPOL continues to support our member countries.

An example of this will be our new Regional Task Forces. These will focus on high-priority transnational criminal groups, identifying high-value targets and planning operational activity to more effectively identify, disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal networks, their routes, infrastructure and assets.

My thanks to the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Police Force for hosting us, and to all delegates for their engagement and candid contributions.

The criminal threats facing the Americas may be becoming more interconnected, but so too is our collective response.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

🇬🇾 Great to be in Guyana for our @INTERPOL_HQ Americas Regional Conference.

Over the next two days, we’ll be exchanging insights, strengthening partnerships and exploring practical solutions to the crime threats affecting the Americas and beyond.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

In a world where crime knows no borders, international cooperation is our strongest asset.

My first official visit to Finland provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties with one of INTERPOL's most engaged and trusted partners.

Very constructive meetings with Mari Rantanen, Minister of the Interior and National Police Commissioner Ilkka Koskimäki, as well as colleagues from the National Bureau of Investigation.

Our discussions focused on enhancing cooperation, sharing expertise and leveraging INTERPOL's global capabilities to address an increasingly complex threat landscape.

I especially appreciated the opportunity to observe firsthand a demonstration by the Finnish Police Special Tactical Unit and the Finnish Border Guard, highlighting the professionalism and preparedness of Finland's law enforcement services.

Thank you to our Finnish counterparts for their warm welcome and longstanding commitment to international police cooperation. Together against crime.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

Bringing fugitives to justice has always been at the heart of INTERPOL's work.

In fact, it was one of the reasons the Organization was created in 1923.

Then, in 1947, came the Red Notice. And what started as a simple sheet of paper became one of the most powerful tools for police cooperation.

Opening the 8th INTERPOL Global Operational Symposium on Fugitives at @INTERPOL_HQ was an opportunity to reflect on how it all began.

Because even though the crime landscape has changed, our commitment has not: no matter how far criminals run, or how long they hide, justice will find them.

It is a commitment to communities living in fear, and to every victim and family waiting for answers.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

🇴🇲 Pleased to welcome Oman’s @sqaps_rop to the Global Academy Network.

This expansion enhances capacity building collaboration between @INTERPOL_HQ and Oman, demonstrating our joint commitment to law enforcement education and its critical role in global security.

Through the INTERPOL Global Academy, Oman joins trusted law enforcement education institutions responsible for identifying and coordinating responses to training needs, ensuring best practices and knowledge exchange are at the forefront of police training.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

Bringing stability to turbulent times is not an easy task, but it is much more difficult when we attempt to do it alone.

As a neutral, global technical platform supporting 196 member countries, @INTERPOL_HQ understands and values the power of multilateralism.

And it was rewarding to see it in action firsthand in Beijing and Lianyungang, China.

From the threats facing the Pacific to how INTERPOL’s tools and capacity building can support law enforcement responses, our discussions helped define how we can further strengthen regional and global security.

Every region is facing growing threats from organized crime groups, including financial crime, human trafficking, environmental crime and cybercrime.

Exchanges like these are essential to ensuring that INTERPOL continues to tailor its capabilities and tools to the evolving needs of its member countries.

It is through strong commitment and true multilateralism that we will make a difference.

My thanks to State Councillor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong, and to China for being a partner in our response to these global threats.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

True security is built on the strength of our shared networks and the trust between countries.

The International #PoliceCooperationDay is an opportunity recommit to working together to protect communities and uphold the rule of law.

[Valdecy Urquiza @INTERPOL_SG]

Together against crime 🤝

[INTERPOL @INTERPOL_HQ]

Police cooperation turns information into action, helping protect people and prevent harm.

This @UN International Day of Police Cooperation, we’re highlighting what can happen when law enforcement and partners work together across borders and sectors.

Because one connection can change what happens next.

#PoliceCooperationDay