United Against Scams: ASCOT Investigation Workshop 2026

The ASEANAPOL Scam Combat Task Force (ASCOT) Investigation Workshop was successfully conducted from 29 June to 03 July 2026 at the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC), Semarang, Indonesia. The workshop represented another important milestone in ASEANAPOL’s and JCLEC’s collective efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and operational capabilities in combating transnational scam crimes.

The five-day programme brought together more than 60 participants from ASEANAPOL Member Countries, supported by renowned experts from law enforcement, the private sector, and the technology and cryptocurrency industries. Through expert-led presentations, practical case studies, scenario-based exercises, and operational discussions, participants enhanced their knowledge and practical skills in digital evidence management, financial investigations, blockchain and cryptocurrency investigations, and international law enforcement cooperation.

Beyond strengthening investigative capabilities, the workshop achieved significant progress in advancing regional operational cooperation. Participants discussed the enhancement of the ASEANAPOL Electronic Database System (eADS), the development of practical mechanisms for timely and secure cross-border information sharing, and standardized operational approaches to facilitate coordinated investigations among ASEANAPOL Member Countries. These outcomes will provide a stronger foundation for future joint operations and more effective regional responses against increasingly sophisticated transnational scam networks.

The workshop also served as an important platform for participants to exchange operational experiences, share best practices, strengthen professional networks, and foster greater mutual trust among investigators across the region. The common understanding developed throughout the programme is expected to further enhance operational coordination and information exchange, reinforcing ASEANAPOL’s vision of a more connected, resilient, and collaborative regional law enforcement community.

The successful conclusion of the workshop reaffirms ASEANAPOL’s commitment to delivering practical, sustainable, and results-oriented regional cooperation. By combining professional capacity building, innovative technology, and strengthened operational coordination, ASCOT continues to lay the foundation for a unified regional response against cyber-enabled and transnational scam crimes, contributing to a safer and more secure ASEAN community.