Europe, UK (Commonwealth Union) – Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization, is a global network that facilitates law enforcement cooperation and coordination among 196 member countries. Established in 1923, Interpol’s mission is to ensure and promote the widest possible mutual assistance between all criminal police authorities, making it an essential tool in the fight against international crime and terrorism. Interpol traces its roots back to the International Criminal Police Commission, founded in 1923 in Vienna, Austria. The organization’s founding members were police officials from countries who sought to create a mechanism for international police cooperation.
Stephen Kavanagh, the incumbent Executive Director of Policing Services at INTERPOL, has touched down in New Delhi to engage in high-level discussions with the Indian government concerning the future trajectory of international crime-fighting.
His itinerary commenced with a visit to the iconic India Gate, followed by bilateral dialogues with key Indian governmental figures, notably Praveen Sood, the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Their deliberations at the CBI headquarters encompassed strategies to address law enforcement hurdles and bolster collaboration among nations.
The discussions underscored the imperative for enhanced international coordination in combating terrorism, curbing drug trafficking, and confronting technologically facilitated crimes, with particular emphasis on the responsible utilization of artificial intelligence.
During his trip to India, Stephen Kavanagh said “India is a critical partner for INTERPOL, whose agencies have been at the forefront in tackling multi-dimensional criminal activities at the global level.”
He further indicated his aspirations for the role of Secretary General of INTERPOL. He emphasized his commitment to collaborating with members to enhance data analysis, thereby achieving operational victories against drug trafficking, cybercrime, and offenses targeting wildlife and the environment. Kavanagh outlined his vision for INTERPOL, emphasizing core principles such as prioritizing tangible operational results, fostering innovation to combat criminal activities, promoting inclusivity and transparency among member nations, and consistently upholding integrity, humility, and professionalism in service.
