Department of Justice

G-8 COUNTRIES COMBAT ORGANIZED CRIME

OTTAWA, October 20, 1999 –The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today reiterated the Government of Canada’s commitment to fight the dark side of globalization – transnational organized crime – which threatens to damage our societies and our economies.

Speaking in Moscow at the conclusion of the Ministerial Conference of the G-8 Countries on Combating Transnational Organized Crime, the Minister said, "Modern crime has no national boundaries. The challenge of law enforcement today is to stay in step with, if not a step ahead of, modern criminals. Canada is committed to working with its international partners in addressing the serious problem of organized crime in all of its forms, especially transnational organized crime."

The Communiqué, which the G-8 Ministers released at the conclusion of the conference, included Guiding Principles and Plan of Action to Combat the Smuggling of and Trafficking of Human Beings, the development of which was led by Canada. "These Guiding Principles are of enormous significance not only to Canada, but to all countries of the world that are concerned with the trafficking in human beings. There must be no safe havens for those who organize, participate in or profit from the smuggling of or trafficking in human beings", added the Minister.

Minister McLellan also indicated that significant progress had been achieved in addressing some of the challenges related to high-tech crime. A set of Principles on Transborder Access to Stored Computer Data was adopted by G-8 Ministers. These Principles detail practical means to enable law enforcement to access expeditiously data stored in other countries.

In addition to the issue of high-tech crime, the G-8 Ministers focused their attention on the growing problem of financial crime, in particular money laundering. They agreed to bring their anti-money laundering regimes into closer alignment to counter the entry of organized crime monies into financial systems.

Ministers also issued a statement that reiterated their determination to work together against terrorism in all of its forms. This statement expresses a firm commitment to adhere to the UN Charter and norms of international law, particularly those respecting human rights.

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Ref.:
Irène Arseneau
Public Affairs
Department of Justice
(613) 957-4207

Line Chabot-Racine
Director of Communications
Minister’s Office
(613) 992-4621