More powers for Singapore to assist in investigating foreign crimes

Even if criminal prosecutions have not started overseas, the authorities in Singapore will soon be able to take statements from people to assist in investigating foreign crimes.

- Christine Tan

This would mean the Republic can better help other countries in their criminal investigations, after the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (Amendment) and Other Matters Bill was passed in Parliament on Nov 11.

Currently, Singapore cannot take such evidence if the foreign country has not started court proceedings.

Speaking during the debate on the Bill on Nov 11, Minister of State for Law Murali Pillai said the new laws bolster Singapore's national strategy against money laundering and terror financing.

He said a strong international cooperation framework is vital as crime is increasingly transnational in nature.

"It is (in) our interests to ensure that our laws are updated... to allow us to cooperate effectively with other countries to prevent and punish crime," said Mr Murali, who is also Minister of State for Transport.

A slew of measures have been introduced in recent months to combat money laundering.