"Project Pink Panthers" was launched by INTERPOL in 2007 to focus on high value jewellery robberies and thefts committed by itinerant groups, with the aim of assisting member countries in identifying, locating and apprehending the perpetrators of this crime through co-ordinated exchanges of information and findings from investigations. For this objective, INTERPOL has established a database containing information, photos, fingerprints and DNA profiles of the perpetrators and their associates. So far, records of over 400 individuals have been entered into the database.

About 100 representatives from the law enforcement agencies of 24 member countries around the world attended the three-day Working Group Meeting, during which the participants shared updated modus operandi and intelligence about the perpetrators through case studies, and exchanged experiences and good practices in tackling international gangs of jewellery thieves.

The meeting highlighted the importance of international co-operation and timely sharing of updated information on combatting this type of transnational crime. It also emphasised the need for member countries to assist each other in identification, apprehension, extradition and prosecution of perpetrators, as well as recovery of stolen properties and confiscation of crime proceeds.

The three Force members are pleased to have an opportunity to acquire updated knowledge of jewellery robberies and thefts at an international level, share experiences, and build up a network for co-operation with overseas law enforcement agencies.

The three officers have acquired updated information on jewellery robberies and thefts