ILEA Bangkok Alumni Networking Event in Vientiane, Laos
Published May 25, 2023
Vientiane, Laos - On May 25, 2023, the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Bangkok, in collaboration with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane, organized an ILEA Alumni Networking Event in Vientiane, Laos. Laos, a founding member of ILEA Bangkok since 1999, played host to this prestigious gathering. Over 1,265 Lao alumni have graduated from the academy, further strengthening the ties between ILEA and Laos.
The event brought together a diverse group of Lao alumni from various law enforcement agencies, including the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Finance, Agriculture and Forestry, the People's Supreme Court, the Office of Supreme People's Prosecutor, and the Bank of Laos.
Mr. Andrew Cuuney, ILEA Bangkok Program Director
The proceedings commenced with welcoming remarks from Andrew Cunney, the Program Director of ILEA Bangkok. Deputy Chief of Mission Shannon Farrell followed with an opening remark, emphasizing the increasingly global nature of crime. Criminal organizations exploit the complexities of multijurisdictional and multinational law enforcement efforts. By fostering collaboration and mutual understanding among law enforcement leaders from different countries, ILEA plays a vital role in countering these challenges. DCM Farrell urged the attendees to network, forge new connections, and share insights from their work experiences.
Deputy Chief of Mission Shannon Farrell delivering the opening remarks
In line with its commitment to supporting Laos in law enforcement capacity building, the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane has sponsored over 40 Lao law enforcement personnel this year alone. These individuals have attended courses covering a range of topics, including wildlife trafficking investigations, asset forfeiture and money laundering, financial investigative techniques, casino financial crimes investigations, and digital evidence for judges and prosecutors.
During the event, Mr. Xiayee Youaher, a Judge from the People's Supreme Court and an ILEA alumnus who attended the Prosecuting Environmental Crime training session from December 12-16, 2022, expressed his gratitude towards ILEA. He shared his valuable experiences during the training and expressed his desire to revisit ILEA in the future.
Mr. Xiayee Youaher, judege from the People's Supreme Court and ILEA Bangkok Alumnus
Wrapping up the event, the ILEA Bangkok alumni coordinator provided an overview of ILEA activities and highlighted various avenues for engagement, including the ILEA Global Network (IGN) and the ILEA Alumni Portal. The alumni were encouraged to submit their success stories, further fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration.
The ILEA Alumni Networking Event in Vientiane, Laos, served as a testament to the strong partnership between ILEA, the U.S. Embassy, and the Lao law enforcement community. Through such initiatives, participants reaffirmed their commitment to tackling transnational crime and promoting international cooperation in the field of law enforcement.
ILEA Bangkok Alumni
ILEA Bangkok Alumni
ILEA Bangkok Alumni with DCM Farrell and Director Cunney