Interpol opens R&D facility in Singapore

SINGAPORE: The Interpol Global Complex for Innovation (IGCI) officially opened on Monday, as part of Singapore’s bid to help the international organisation strengthen its global presence.

Singapore's Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean said the research and development (R&D) facility, which is located at the former Tanglin Police Division Headquarters, would complement the General Secretariat headquarters in Lyon, France.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Teo underlined the need to deal with growing safety and security challenges. Teo cited attacks at a university in Kenya and the police headquarters in Istanbul as examples of recent threats.

"The heightened terrorism threat, including self-radicalised individuals, poses serious risks to the safety and security of every country. We also see a stronger nexus between organised crime and terrorism as criminal networks exploit connectivity and technology to globalise their operations,” Teo said.

He also reiterated IGCI's contributions to international policing efforts. He said IGCI's presence in Asia means Interpol can send real-time alerts and plan operational responses around the clock, and around the world.

IGCI's focus on innovation will also allow Interpol to develop and use advanced tools and training techniques to build capacity in member countries to tackle emerging crime threats.

Teo added that IGCI, located in the heart of Asia, can be used as a platform to reach out to the rest of the world, to form tie-ups with law enforcement agencies, think tanks, as well as private sectors in Asia.

About 110 officers from more than 50 countries are with the IGCI, which started operations in November last year. IGCI can house about 350 staff.