From 6 to 9 May 2025, the Falcone-Borsellino Programme for ASEAN successfully conducted a four-day webinar titled "Capacity Building Multidimensional Initiative between Italy and ASEAN," focusing on the theme of cybercrime and international economic crime. This initiative marked a significant step forward in fostering legal diplomacy and strengthening international cooperation between Italy and ASEAN member countries. The event opened with welcome speeches from distinguished officials representing both sides. Among them were Minister Plenipotentiary Raffaele Langella, Coordinator of Legal Diplomacy from Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Prefect Annunziato Vardè, Director of the Office for Coordination and Planning of Police Forces, Ministry of Interior; Brigadier General Massimiliano Della Gala, Director of the International Relations Service; Mr. Ernesto Caggiano, Magistrate and Executive Director of the Falcone-Borsellino Programme; and Mr. Ngiam Shih Chun, Deputy Secretary (Policy) of Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs. Their remarks set a positive and collaborative tone for the sessions that followed.
After the formal opening, Mr. Andrea Portuesi, Chief Superintendent and Head of the Multilateral Affairs Division at the Department of Public Security, presented the objectives of the webinar, outlined the agenda, and facilitated the introduction of participants. The first day featured insightful presentations from ASEAN member states, Italy, INTERPOL, EUROPOL, and ASEANAPOL on the evolving threat landscape of cybercrime and international economic crime in their respective jurisdictions. ASEANAPOL was represented by its Executive Director, Police Colonel David Martinez Vinluan, accompanied by Director for Police Services, Police Senior Superintendent Huntal Tambunan, and Director for Program and Planning, Police Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Huu Ngoc. Their contributions reflected ASEANAPOL’s regional perspective and efforts in addressing these complex challenges through coordinated action.
The second day shifted focus to international legislative tools and global standards used to prevent and counter cybercrime and economic crime. Italian legal and enforcement experts shared their experiences alongside representatives from INTERPOL, EUROPOL, and ASEANAPOL. Notable speakers included Mr. Edmondo De Gregorio, a magistrate and cabinet advisor from the Italian Ministry of Justice; a representative from the National Anti-Mafia and Counter Terrorism Directorate (DNA); Lieutenant Colonel Roberto Dieghi from the Anti-Mafia Investigation Directorate (DIA); Chief Commissioner Flavio D’Addario of the Italian Cyber Police; Lieutenant Colonel Simone Rinaldi from the Carabinieri Corps; and Tenente Luigi Rago of the Guardia di Finanza. Their presentations provided valuable insights into international legal cooperation, the prosecution of cyber-enabled crimes, and strategies to align national frameworks with global standards.
On the third day, the session centered on identifying and exchanging best practices from national perspectives, particularly those involving collaboration with private sector partners. Italian law enforcement agencies with specialized units in cyber and financial crime led the discussions. Speakers included Mr. Mario Aldo Sacco of the Anti-Crime Directorate (DAC), Lieutenant Colonel Simone Rinaldi of the Carabinieri Corps, representatives from the Guardia di Finanza, and Chief Commissioner Flavio D’Addario. Their practical examples highlighted effective investigative techniques, the importance of real-time intelligence sharing, and the value of multi-agency coordination in preventing complex cyber and financial crimes.
The final day of the webinar focused on enhancing international cooperation by maximizing the use of existing multilateral and bilateral tools for judicial and law enforcement collaboration. Speakers explored ways to improve current mechanisms and strengthen operational linkages between regions. Presenters included Chief Commissioner Flavio D’Addario, representatives of the Carabinieri Corps and the Guardia di Finanza, Mr. Davide Dauria from EUROPOL, and ASEANAPOL’s Mr. Huntal Tambunan, followed by Executive Director Police Colonel David Martinez Vinluan. The session underscored the importance of trust-building, joint operations, and seamless communication in the global fight against cybercrime and international economic crime.
Overall, the four-day webinar provided a rich exchange of knowledge, reinforced strategic partnerships, and reaffirmed the shared commitment of Italy and ASEAN to enhance regional and global security through collective action. The Falcone-Borsellino Programme continues to serve as an important bridge in legal and law enforcement cooperation, advancing peace and justice across borders.
