Hong Kong to host 94th Interpol General Assembly to strengthen global police cooperation

The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) will hold its 94th General Assembly in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region from November 30 to December 3, with China as host and the Hong Kong Police Force coordinating local preparations.

Representatives from Interpol's 196 member countries are expected to attend the gathering to address transnational crime, strengthen international police cooperation and shape the organization's strategic priorities.

In an interview ahead of the event, Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said the assembly would consider endorsing the Silver Notice mechanism following a two-year pilot.

The mechanism would help police identify and locate criminal assets across jurisdictions, supporting subsequent seizure and repatriation through established judicial procedures. Targeting criminal finances, he explained, was essential to preventing organized crime groups from rebuilding their operations.

Artificial intelligence will also feature in the discussions. Urquiza said Interpol was helping police understand AI-related crime, apply the technology to investigations and develop frameworks for its responsible use.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining neutral channels for police cooperation and information sharing, regardless of diplomatic relations between countries. Describing Hong Kong as a hub for finance, trade and digital services, he said the city provided an ideal setting for discussions on cooperation and the future of law enforcement.

Chow Yat-ming, commissioner of police of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, identified scams and financial investigations as priorities for Hong Kong's international engagement. He said the force would use the assembly to strengthen existing partnerships, establish new contacts and pursue bilateral discussions.

Hong Kong would also seek closer cooperation with Interpol on training and capacity building through the forthcoming Hong Kong International Academy of Policing. Chow said this would provide opportunities to share expertise and learn from overseas counterparts.

Preparations involve a whole-of-government effort, supported by exercises covering transport, logistics and other operational arrangements. Chow also said the assembly would provide a safe and secure platform for international cooperation while showcasing Hong Kong's hospitality, policing capabilities and the successful implementation of "one country, two systems."

(Reporter Zhu Dan, Zhu Jingyi)