PRETORIA – The prosecutorial bodies of the BRICS nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, have pledged to strengthen their collaboration in combating transnational crimes. This commitment was made in a joint statement following the fifth Meeting of BRICS Heads of Prosecution Services. The meeting, held under the theme “Strengthening international cooperation in respect of complex transnational crimes, with an emphasis on asset recovery,” underscored the importance of cooperation amongst BRICS prosecuting authorities.
According to South African Government News Agency, the BRICS nations recognize the need to promote good relations and cooperation to facilitate the exchange of information, expertise, and experience. This includes the effective use of information technology to counter transnational organized crimes. The countries reaffirmed their commitment to implement relevant international agreements, notably the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
Key areas of focus for the BRICS nations include increasing the effectiveness of combating economic crimes through the exchange of best practices, sharing knowledge on emerging trends, and strengthening cooperative networks to combat illicit financial flows. This cooperation aims to support investigations, prosecutions, and recovery of stolen assets, as well as the effective confiscation and seizure of illicit proceeds of crime, respecting each country’s domestic laws and international commitments.
The countries also agreed to exchange information on legislative texts, methodologies, academic literature, and scientific publications to counter transnational organized crimes. They emphasized the importance of legal assistance in criminal matters, including the identification and return of criminal assets transferred abroad.
In addition, the BRICS nations committed to establishing and maintaining a register of nodal points on international cooperation and asset recovery within their jurisdictions. They plan to explore opportunities for mutual capacity-building, including training programs and sharing current best practices. Strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including through exchanges at international meetings, is also on the agenda.
The countries also intend to implement United Nations General Assembly Resolutions on promoting technical assistance to combat cybercrime and countering the use of information and communication technologies for criminal purposes. Furthermore, they discussed developing and adopting a universal international legal instrument on illicit assets recovery within the United Nations framework.
The joint statement highlighted concerns that a lack of cooperation could breed impunity and undermine sustainable development, justice, peace, and stability. The BRICS nations acknowledged that no single country could effectively prevent and control transnational organized crimes alone and that enhancing international cooperation is crucial for containing cross-border crime.
The sixth meeting of BRICS Heads of Prosecution Services is scheduled to be hosted by the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation in 2024, as Russia takes on the Chair of BRICS.