Georgetown, Guyana: Senior law enforcement officials from across the Americas and beyond have gathered in Guyana for the INTERPOL Americas Regional Conference, being held on September 23 and 24 to address emerging organised and transnational crime threats affecting the region.
The two-day conference brings together senior police and law enforcement leaders to examine emerging criminal trends, share operational experiences and identify practical measures to strengthen international cooperation against cross-border crime.
The conference was inaugurated by Guyana’s Prime Minister, Hon. Brig. (R’td) Mark Phillips, along with Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond, Guyana Police Force Commissioner Dr Clifton Hicken, INTERPOL President Lucas Philippe and INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza.
Financial crime and fraud are among the key issues on the agenda. According to INTERPOL’s second Global Financial Fraud Assessment Report, fraud-related global alerts across the Americas and Caribbean increased by 40 per centbetween 2024 and 2025. Delegates are discussing measures to combat money laundering, the misuse of cryptocurrencies by organised crime groups, and methods for tracking, tracing and recovering criminal assets.
The conference is also examining INTERPOL’s Operational Task Force Model, which is designed to support member countries in addressing specific regional and transnational criminal threats through enhanced coordination, intelligence sharing and regional cooperation.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Mark Phillips emphasised the importance of rapid international cooperation when criminal investigations cross national borders. He highlighted the need for timely information sharing so that intelligence can reach frontline investigators while maintaining appropriate legal safeguards.
INTERPOL President Lucas Philippe stressed the importance of clear communication channels, standardised procedures and interoperable tools to help law enforcement officers prevent and investigate crime and bring offenders to justice.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza highlighted the strategic importance of the Americas to global security, noting that developments at ports, borders and digital networks can have implications well beyond the region.
The conference is attended by approximately 80 senior law enforcement officials from 27 countries, along with representatives of regional and international organisations. Observers include the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP), CARICOM Secretariat Regional Coordinating Mechanism, CARICOM IMPACS, Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC), Organization of American States (OAS), and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The conference provides a platform for law enforcement agencies and international partners to strengthen intelligence sharing, operational coordination and joint responses to transnational crime across the Americas.
