US donates equipment to anti-corruption organisation in Mauritius

Thursday, the Chargé d‘Affaires (CDA), Troy Fitrell handed over several equipment such as computer towers, consumables and digital forensics software worth $16,000 (about Rs 480,000) to the director of the Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC), Anil Kumar Ujoodha.

The equipment has been sent by the Anti-Terrorism Assistance (ATA) programme. The programme trains civilian security and law enforcement personnel from friendly governments in police procedures that deal with terrorism.

The aim is to develop the most effective means of training for bomb detection, crime scene investigation, airport and building security, maritime protection and VIP protection.

Speaking at the official ceremony, Fitrell said, “ICAC has been a valuable partner and an entity that Mauritius should be proud of, as it provides exemplary service to the country.”

He said that ICAC had requested assistance from the US Government in obtaining training to establish a forensic laboratory. Hence, ICAC investigators received training at the US International Law Enforcement Academy in Botswana.

This was followed by in-country ATA cyber crime training, including Cyber Unit Management Consultation and the Introduction to Digital Forensics and Investigation.

“Such skills, however, require the necessary tools,” said Fitrell, adding that therefore the decision was taken to grant equipment to both ICAC as well as the Police IT Unit.

The result will now be an increased investigative ability to pursue additional sources of evidence electronically. ICAC director Ujoodha thanked the US Embassy while receiving the equipment.

He said ICAC is always in need of resources to keep building its capacities.

He underlined the US Government‘s prompt response to the request of providing assistance sought by the commission.