Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is increasingly uncovering foreign nationals who are wanted for crimes overseas, describing their presence as a serious national security concern.
During the Browne and Browne Show, the prime minister revealed that several people sought by law-enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions had entered the country and settled within local communities.
He provided no names, nationalities or details about the alleged offences and did not indicate whether any of the individuals were facing extradition.
Browne said the discoveries highlight the need for closer coordination among immigration authorities, police and regional and international security partners.
His comments came as he addressed a recent rise in crime and violence and outlined measures being taken to strengthen public safety.
Browne insisted that Antigua and Barbuda must not become a safe haven for people fleeing prosecution abroad.
The disclosure could renew scrutiny of the country’s border-screening procedures and the ability of local agencies to quickly access international arrest notices and criminal databases. Authorities may also face challenges identifying suspects travelling under aliases or using fraudulent documents.
The prime minister called crime-fighting an “all-of-society approach,” urging residents to report suspicious people and activities.
His administration has increased rewards for information in major criminal investigations to as much as EC$500,000. A separate EC$5,000 reward is available for information leading to the recovery of an illegal firearm.
The Government is also expanding its surveillance network, purchasing night-vision drones and completing a digital police records-management system.
Browne said technology and intelligence-sharing must be supported by stronger inter-agency coordination and greater cooperation from the public.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM Browne Warns Foreign Fugitives Are Hiding in Antigua and Barbuda.