Speech Of Director, CBI At The Inaugural Ceremony Of 6th Global Focal Point Conference On Asset Recovery
Author(s): SK VyasNew Delhi, November 18, 2015: The following is the text of Speech Of Director, CBI At The Inaugural Ceremony Of 6th Global Focal Point Conference On Asset Recovery: "Ladies and Gentlemen, On behalf of the Organizers...
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Nov 18, 2015 10:30
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New Delhi, November 18, 2015: The following is the text of Speech Of Director, CBI At The Inaugural Ceremony Of 6th Global Focal Point Conference On Asset Recovery:
"Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Organizers of 6th Global Focal Point Conference – CBI, ED, INTERPOL, World Bank, UNODC and US Department of State and on my own behalf, I have the honour and privilege of extending a very warm welcome to our esteemed Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modiji, to the inaugural session of 6th Global Focal Point Conference. Thank you very much indeed sir, for your gracious consent to inaugurate the conference despite your hectic schedule and other pressing commitments.While your original thoughts and dynamic leadership is shaping policies, your tireless pursuit of implementation is leading to result oriented action in all spheres.
2. This annual conference focuses on developing synergies between the global anti-corruption community and specialized training in asset recovery and confiscation-related technical assistance procedures. Your presence here today is not just a great honour to the Organizers of the conference, it also symbolizes the Government’s unwavering commitment to bringing back black money and stolen assets stashed abroad. The agenda of the Conference covers a wide range of topics related to Asset Recovery including advanced themes in the fields of Dark Web and Virtual Currencies. The schedule of the conference would be intensive yet productive. I am sure, your vision expressed at this inaugural session will serve as guidance for policy making and law making in the arena of Asset Recovery. Hon’ble Prime Minster Sir, while welcoming, as co-host of the Conference, we express our sincere gratitude to you on behalf of all the organizers.
3. It gives me great pleasure to welcome Hon’ble Minister of State, Dr. Jitendra Singh. Sir, I thank you for having spared your very valuable time to grace us with your august presence here this morning.
4. I would like to extend a very warm and hearty welcome to the National Security Advisor and Chief Vigilance Commissioner under whose guidance we shape our anti corruption and security strategies.
5. I respectfully welcome my friend and Secretary General of INTERPOL, Mr. Jurgen Stock. INTERPOL needs no introduction, nor its CEO. I would like to thank INTERPOL and all the organizers of World Bank, UNODC and US Department of State for giving us the opportunity to host this conference and for recognizing India as a worthy partner in this global fight against Crime and Corruption. Mr. Jurgen Stock after taking over as Secretary General has given new vigour to the co-operation between Interpol and India and we especially thank him in this regard.
6. I would also like to welcome Mr. Anselm Lopez, Singapore Assistant Commissioner of Police and Director of the Strategic Relations Directorate, Ministry of Home Affairs. I congratulate him on his election as Delegate from Asia, INTERPOL Executive Committee.
7. Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR), a partnership between the World Bank and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), is playing an active role in providing knowledge input to the Global Focal Point Platform. StAR works with developing countries and financial centers to prevent the laundering of the proceeds of corruption and to facilitate more systematic and timely return of stolen assets. I extend a hearty welcome to Mr. Onno Ruhl, Country Director, The World Bank India.
8. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to various panelists and other distinguished delegates to the 6th Global Focal Point Conference on Asset Recovery from various countries and the delegates of 21st Annual Conference of CBI and State Anti-Corruption Bureaux and representatives of foreign Law Enforcement agencies. The State Anti-Corruption Bureaux are our valued partners in the collective action against corruption. Your presence here in good numbers clearly underscores the unique place Asset Recovery and tracking proceeds of corruption occupies in the agenda of Law Enforcement Agencies across the world. It is an opportune time to forge partnerships, renew contacts and discuss problems of mutual interest with counterparts.
9. Finally, I extend a hearty welcome to all the distinguished guests assembled here for favourably responding to our invitation.
Hon’ble Prime Minister Sir,
10. Government of India designated CBI as National Central Bureau of India in 1966 to liaise with International Criminal Police Organisation, popularly known as INTERPOL, its call sign for radio and wireless communication. In the past 49 years, CBI has been discharging a broad spectrum of activities and responsibilities that support the effective administration of justice and security of the nation by actively coordinating with INTERPOL in combating transnational criminal threats. Be it fugitive tracking, be it seeking and providing informal and formal evidence and other investigative assistance from foreign jurisdictions, be it extradition or deportation of fugitive criminals, CBI has been at the forefront of facilitating International Cooperation.
11. To effectively discharge the significant responsibilities any crime places upon the investigator, there is an imperative need for constant upgradation of skill set of Investigating Officers and Law Officers. The growing integration of India with global economy, digital agenda of the Government, the emphasis on e-Governance, digital empowerment, financial inclusion initiativesamidst the exponential growth of e-Commerce and digital forces of social media, mobility, analytics, and cloud,have substantially redefined the future challenges of Law Enforcement Agencies. Looking to the future, CBI is trying to equipits officers with the capacity to handle the latest technology tools efficiently and effectively. CBI has already inked MoUs with institutions of international repute for inter-disciplinary and inter-sectoral training as well as Capacity Building programmes for its personnel. Thanks to Government of India’s generous support, ‘Advanced Certified Courses for CBI officers in investigation and prosecution of Financial Crimes as well as new and emerging crime genres’ in conjunction with IIM, Bangalore and National Law School, Bangalore have been rolled out this July. 555 investigators and prosecutors of CBI would be trained in the two eminent institutions. Sir, with your support and guidance, we are moving ahead to shape the CBI to the needs of 21st Century India. Our vision is of a CBI that is knowledge and technology driven and benchmarks itself with the leading law enforcement institutions in the world. Towards this end, we have sought support of the Government in setting up a international centre of excellence in investigation, an advanced technology vertical and a forensic laboratory with world class capabilities.
12. This conference is a step towards our growing engagement with international law enforcement institutions. I am sure, the conference would prove to be a milestone in evolving durable strategies to enable effective asset recovery. I also hope it will offer a rewarding and enriching experience to all of us. My heartiest congratulations to all the Medal Winners. We are all very proud of each one of you.
13. I do hope the international participants do take some time to visit the historic city of New Delhi, which is home to some world heritage sights. Remember, Taj Mahal is just two and half-hours away.
14. I am sure you will have a comfortable stay with us at New Delhi.
JAI HIND!"
Date:
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
