Malta-Europol accord to fight organised crime

Malta yesterday pledged to do its part to combat international organised crime as it signed a wide-ranging agreement with the European Police Office, Europol.

The agreement will be a blessing to the local police who may now share the resources of what is widely regarded to be the world's finest anti-crime network.

Malta might be in a "privileged" situation insofar as international terrorism is concerned but the country had a contribution to make in the European field, Jurgen Storbeck, director of Europol, told journalists.

The agreement was signed by Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg and Mr Storbeck in the presence of Police Commissioner John Rizzo.

Europol is the EU's law enforcement organisation, handling criminal intelligence with the aim of improving cooperation between the competent authorities of the member states in preventing and fighting international organised crime.

Europol's mission lays special emphasis on targeting criminal organisations.

Based in The Hague, the Netherlands, Europol started operation in 1994 and by 2002 its mandate was extended to deal with issues such as illicit drug trafficking, illegal immigration, terrorism, child pornography and money laundering.

The agreement will help Malta by providing operational analysis, reports, crime analysis and technical and expert support, Dr Borg explained.

Europol will now be in a position to dispatch its experts at the request of the Maltese authorities.

"Despite its size, Malta has a lot to offer vis-à-vis its excellent relationship with North African agencies. Thanks to this agreement, Malta will not remain an island in this goldmine of information," Dr Borg said.

The signing of the agreement does not prejudice or affect any other mutual legal assistance treaty, law enforcement relationship or any agreement drawn up between Malta and the EU member states.

Malta has also signed a number of bilateral agreements against organised crime with a number of North African countries.

Mr Storbeck highlighted the importance that Malta had because of its geographical position, especially since the Mediterranean is often perceived as a sea of organised crime.

However, he emphasised, there was no evidence or indication that Malta was a target for terrorists.

"You are still in a privileged situation and, luckily for you, despite your problem with illegal immigration, you are not a primary target of organised crime. In four weeks you will be part of the EU and you have to look at the common interests."

"Ultimately though, with this agreement, you will have more rights than obligations," he said.

A liaison officer will be posted at The Hague, while Maltese personnel would be eligible to apply for certain jobs within Europol.