Remarks by AIT Director Stephen M. Young at the Christmas Reception of The Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice December 11, 2006

OT0622E | Date: 2006-12-12

Director General Yeh, Mrs. Yeh, distinguished guests and all of our friends from the Ministry of Justice, Investigation Bureau:

On behalf of AIT and our U.S. law enforcement colleagues, particularly those visiting from Hong Kong today, I would like to express my thanks to Director General Yeh for again hosting such a wonderful Christmas party.  We at AIT attach great importance to this yearly event and the opportunity it provides to see old friends and celebrate another year of close cooperation.  I would also like to personally thank Director General Yeh for hosting my recent visit to MJIB and the opportunity to talk to so many of you in person. 

I am delighted to have the opportunity to reflect on the cooperative efforts of MJIB and AIT this past year.   Under the leadership of Director General Yeh, MJIB has strengthened cooperation in the critical areas of drug enforcement, counterfeit currency investigations and export control initiatives.  For instance, in October, a joint investigation involving MJIB, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office in Hong Kong and the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration culminated with the maritime seizure of 240 kilograms of ketamine and the arrest of several key members of the smuggling operation. 

MJIB also contributed to Taiwan's efforts to combat terrorism and narcotics trafficking by hosting training seminars with our DEA and FBI colleagues on such key topics as money laundering investigations, chemical control initiatives and computer forensics.  Equally important is MJIB's continued support of the U.S. Secret Service's ongoing counterfeit currency investigation, establishing new levels of cooperation between Taiwan and U.S. law enforcement.  In 2007, there will be more opportunities to strengthen this already close partnership, and we look forward to identifying new areas of law enforcement and investigative cooperation, most notably our joint efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. 

Thank you, Director General Yeh, and all the MJIB departments and officers for providing continued support and assistance to AIT and to U.S. law enforcement agencies.   Now, allow me to propose a toast wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.