The workshop’s core focus includes detecting and investigating cases of smuggling of migrants, identifying risks of corruption, and identifying and referring persons who may need protection, assistance and support.

Delegates shared key challenges in their respective countries, which included increasing pressures driving rates of migration, criminal networks taking advantage of visa loopholes, evolving modus operandi of smuggling syndicates, lack of technical and investigative know-hows, lengthy process for international cooperation, and the need for data and information sharing platforms across the region.

Pol.Capt.Parichaya Silarat, Thailand, said: “This training makes us think outside the box. Without this kind of training, we would handle the cases in the same way although new challenges require different methods to tackle.”

Pol.Maj. Prathanporn, Thailand said: “The training has been very useful, both to gain knowledge around international law, and to support understanding of forms of activity that smuggling movements employ and opportunities for corruption – which can also lead to other forms of crime”

and Uchini from Sri Lanka said: “I appreciate RSO colleagues for their friendly communication and interaction with the participants. They encourage our active participation.”