Including Taiwan in INTERPOL Would Help Bolster Global Security

Commentary

Taiwan’s exclusion from the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) represents a significant gap in global law enforcement efforts, undermining international efforts to tackle pressing issues such as cybercrime, human trafficking, and cross-border fraud.

Taiwan, as a highly developed economy with advanced policing capabilities, is well-positioned to provide critical intelligence and expertise to global law enforcement. However, its exclusion from INTERPOL prevents access to vital communication networks and international crime databases. This creates blind spots not only for Taiwan, but for all INTERPOL member countries, as valuable information, including intelligence on drug trafficking, financial crimes, and emerging cybercrime techniques, is withheld.

Welcoming Taiwan into INTERPOL would enable Canada and other countries to leverage Taiwan’s policing expertise in combating human trafficking, telecom fraud, and cybercrime. Taiwan’s law enforcement agencies have proven their mettle in dismantling fraud syndicates and tracking money-laundering operations. This potential partnership could bring a new wave of hope in the fight against transnational crime.

Taiwan-US Cooperation: A Model of Success

This year, Taiwan’s collaboration with the United States led to the dismantling of a telecom fraud operation targeting Taiwanese and Chinese in the U.S. and even in Canada. Through a collaborative effort, authorities from Taiwan and the U.S. dismantled fraud networks operating across Taiwan, the U.S., and Cambodia, resulting in the interception of over 1.26 million fraudulent calls daily. These efforts not only reduced financial losses for victims but also highlighted Taiwan’s capability to effectively collaborate with international partners.

China: A Political Obstacle

China’s political stance has significantly hindered Taiwan’s international participation. Beijing’s relentless opposition has barred Taiwan from joining crucial international organizations like INTERPOL. Such political tactics not only prioritize geopolitical interests over global crime combat but also send a distressing message about the state of international relations.

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Right now, the status quo works well for China—it prevents Taiwan from being recognized and included—while working well for criminals. It just doesn’t work well for Taiwanese law enforcement or, most importantly, global security. It’s time for change.

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.