Taiwan Interpol Exclusion continues to challenge global crime-fighting efforts, Taiwanese officials said at a police conference in the United States. The warning came during the International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference from October 18 to 21 in Denver, Colorado.
More than 16,000 law enforcement professionals attended the event. Taiwan’s delegation was led by NPA Deputy Director-General Liao Hsun-cheng. Liao said excluding Taiwan from Interpol creates gaps and vulnerabilities in global crime prevention networks.
Lin Miao-ling, director of the NPA’s International Affairs Division, said Taiwan cannot alert all international partners simultaneously about criminal threats. Instead, Taiwan can share intelligence only with countries that maintain strong bilateral ties.
Lee Kun-da, head of the Criminal Investigation Bureau’s International Criminal Affairs Division, shared Taiwan’s investigations into transnational crime. He noted that telecom fraud in Southeast Asia could have caused less damage if international authorities had received Taiwan’s early warnings.
In August, Taiwan signed a memorandum with the American Institute in Taiwan to strengthen cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Lee said this agreement demonstrates Taiwan’s influence and supports efforts to join Interpol.
Liao emphasized that crime is the only common enemy for global law enforcement. He criticized Interpol’s 1984 decision to exclude Taiwan after China joined, calling for Taiwan’s reintegration. Taiwan has proactively implemented fraud prevention strategies for years.
International officials showed strong interest in Taiwan’s methods, which are crucial given evolving criminal trends. The conference also showcased law enforcement technologies such as drones and advanced video surveillance.
Liao said Taiwan could use these tools to improve future policing strategies. Experts argue Taiwan’s exclusion from Interpol limits timely intelligence-sharing and undermines global crime prevention.
