The Secret Service has signed a partnership agreement with Australia to closely work together and share information to combat what they deem to be “international” crime links.
Australia is anti-gun and recently came under scrutiny for setting up camps for unvaccinated citizens. The decision also comes as the Biden administration has ordered a block on the export of firearms, cracking down in the name of gun control.
“On November 2, 2023, the U.S. Secret Service and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a framework for inter-agency cooperation and information sharing regarding transnational crime,” the AFP stated in a press release.
“The MOU is based on a shared understanding that addressing the increased threat of transnational crime requires international cooperation and that coordinated operations may provide opportunities to disrupt and dismantle threats that affect both Australia and the United States,” the statement curiously added.
We’re proud to announce that we’ve signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the @AusFedPolice that will make it easier for us to share assets and intelligence while combatting digital threats.
Read more about this at https://t.co/aFi8nITp4Z pic.twitter.com/qEfsaKVhED
— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) November 2, 2023
The agencies did not define exactly what they meant by “transnational crime,” how closely they intend to work together to combat it, or why this move is necessary at this point in time. The AFP did mention “digital threats.”
“The Secret Service is honored to join our partners at the Australian Federal Police in signing this arrangement,” Deputy Director Ronald L. Rowe energetically declared. “Collaboration between law enforcement agencies is essential to fighting transnational crime, and this framework will help us foster a stronger working relationship while accomplishing shared goals.”
“As part of the MOU, the agencies agree to engage in cooperative activities such as coordinated operations, sharing information on law enforcement matters, strengthening, and consolidating existing cooperative networks, and providing each other with capacity building and professional development assistance,” the press release asserted in vague terms.
The agreement seems to be loosely defined and overly broad, crowing over cooperation between the two agencies but failing to give any hard specifics.
“These activities could take the form of consultations, training, intelligence sharing, and operational support, among others,” the statement suggested.
Assistant Commissioner Dave McLean remarked that the agreement could potentially help investigators from both agencies deliver a substantial blow to criminal networks without elaborating on exactly what type of crime would be addressed.
“Crime knows no borders, which is why it’s critical that law enforcement work closely to stop criminals – no matter where in the world they may be. The AFP has achieved significant operational successes in joint investigations with the Secret Service, and we look forward to continuing this important partnership,” the press release stated.
“The MOU is not a legally binding international agreement and is subject to both agencies’ existing domestic laws, policies, procedures, and international obligations,” it further explained.
“The AFP is Australia’s national policing agency and a key member of the Australian law enforcement and national security community. The AFP leads efforts to keep Australians and Australian interests safe from national and international threats,” the press release concluded.