Government steps up fight against organised crime

Honiara, 22 July 2026 – Senior Government officials have met to strengthen inter-agency coordination and prepare for the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) – the Palermo Convention.

The meeting follows Cabinet’s endorsement of Solomon Islands’ accession to the Convention and the formal process to deposit the Instrument of Accession with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT), Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA), and the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) attended the meeting to agree on implementation priorities.

Permanent Secretary for MFAET, Mr George Hoa’au, confirmed Cabinet’s endorsement.

“Cabinet’s endorsement marks a significant milestone in Solomon Islands’ commitment to strengthening international cooperation against transnational organised crime,” Mr Hoa’au said.

“The Ministry has commenced the process for depositing the Instrument of Accession with the UN Secretary-General. Once completed, the Solomon Islands will formally become a State Party to the Palermo Convention.”

The meeting focused on the legislative, institutional and operational reforms required following accession. Key discussions centred on the GREAT Coalition Government’s commitment to modernise the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Proceeds of Crime (POC) legislative framework.

The proposed reforms will replace the current legislation enacted in 2002 and 2010, and will align Solomon Islands’ laws with international standards and obligations.

Officials agreed on the need for a coordinated whole-of-government approach. Effective action against transnational crime will require close collaboration between law enforcement, justice institutions, financial regulators, border agencies and other key stakeholders.

The meeting acknowledged work already underway. Particular recognition was given to the Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit (SIFIU) of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) for its technical leadership, in collaboration with MJLA, in developing the policy framework and draft AML and POC Bills.

Appreciation was also extended to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) for its work in strengthening the national response to human trafficking.

Officials also noted the relevance of the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988. They agreed its implementation should be considered alongside broader legislative reforms to support Solomon Islands’ compliance with international standards, including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations.

Following the formal deposit of the Instrument of Accession, the Government will convene a broader whole-of-government stakeholders’ forum to develop a coordinated national implementation programme.

“The Solomon Islands Government remains committed to strengthening the rule of law, enhancing national security, protecting the integrity of our financial system, and working with national, regional and international partners to combat transnational organised crime,” Mr Hoa’au said.

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