Combating COVID-19-related Crimes

On October 28, 2020, Deputy Representative, Akira Yokochi, delivered an address at the opening ceremony of GCTF’s virtual workshop themed “Combating COVID-19-related Crimes.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only changed our lives but has also created opportunities for criminals to engage in unlawful activities. At the sixth GCTF virtual seminar, experts from various fields gathered to examine and discuss measures to combat COVID-19-related crimes.

Deputy Representative Yokochi’s address

Distinguished guests and participants,

On behalf of the Japan–Taiwan Exchange Association, I would like to welcome everyone and extend my warmest appreciation to all of you. We are pleased to co-host today's GCTF virtual workshop on “Combating COVID-19 Related Crimes” together with the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan, the American Institute in Taiwan, and the Australian Office in Taipei.

The COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed our lives. However, it is also a golden opportunity for criminals, committing new types of crimes that are related to the pandemic or taking advantage of people's anxiety. Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, combating these new types of crimes is one of the major global challenges.

Appropriately dealing with new crimes is significantly essential for liberal democratic societies to protect the rights and freedoms of the individual. All of Japan, Taiwan, the United States, and Australia are important partners that share fundamental values such as the rule of law, freedom, democracy and human rights. We are delighted to have an opportunity to widely share our expertise and experience through this workshop.

This is the sixth GCTF virtual workshop this year. We are very pleased to have such a large turnout despite the COVID-19 pandemic. We, at the Japan–Taiwan Exchange Association is determined to continue our proactive contribution to this meaningful initiative. To sum up, I would like to appreciate everyone for their indispensable efforts and commitment in organizing today's GCTF virtual workshop and do hope today’s workshop would be a fruitful opportunity for everyone. Thank you for the attention.