In a recent initiative the Micronesian Transnational Crime Unit (M-TCU) has partnered with the FSM National Police Maritime Wing in the fight against transnational crime within the region. This new initiative involves the deployment of M-TCU members on operational patrols with the FSM Patrol Boats in an endeavor to support the collection of information relating to illegal fishing and associated transnational criminal activity.
The M-TCU Police Advisor, Steve Hamilton of the Australian Federal Police said, "This recent partnership with the FSM Patrol Boats has not only provided us with new opportunities to assist the FSM National police in the detection of persons engaged in illegal fishing but it has extended our capabilities in the detection of other illegal activities including transnational crimes such as international narcotics trafficking and people smuggling."
The Micronesian Transnational Crime Unit, located in Pohnpei, is the central hub for the collection of intelligence and the development of investigations relating to transnational crime within the region. It is staffed by members of the FSM National Police, FSM Customs and law enforcement officers from the Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Federal Agent Steve Hamilton of the Australian Federal Police is seconded to the Unit to provide strategic and tactical advice on transnational crime issues.
It is the focus of the unit to collect and share information relating to transnational crime issues within the Pacific law enforcement arena with the view to protecting the Pacific communities from the threat of organized and transnational crime. The MTCU receives on-going strong support from the Australian, U.S. and FSM governments.