SCO to open permanent organised crime centre in Bishkek

A permanent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) centre for combating transnational organised crime will begin work in Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State, where leaders approved regulations for a Universal Centre for Countering Security Challenges and Threats, The Economist reports.

The centre will be established on the basis of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure and will be the organisation’s first permanent structure in Kyrgyzstan.

It will coordinate co-operation between law enforcement agencies of SCO member states, including joint operations and exercises, the exchange of operational information and efforts to track members of criminal groups.

The centre will also work to disrupt channels used to launder criminal proceeds and provide specialist training.

Kyrgyzstan has prepared a building and the necessary infrastructure for the centre. President Sadyr Zhaparov said his country was ready to ensure its full operation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev