ASEANAPOL and Freeland: TRIPOD II - Special Investigation Group (SIG) in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

The ASEANAPOL Secretariat, serving as the gracious host and in strong support of Freeland, led the successful conduct of the TRIPOD II - Special Investigation Group (SIG) training course from 17 to 19 June 2025 at the ASEANAPOL Secretariat Office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The program was made possible through the generous support of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), and marked another significant milestone in the regional and international fight against transnational organized wildlife and forest crime.

Executive Director Police Colonel David Martinez Vinluan, together with ASEANAPOL Secretariat staff, Mr. Steve Galster, Founder of Freeland, and Mr. Edward Phiri, Executive Director of the Lusaka Agreement Task Force (LATF), played active and pivotal roles during the training sessions. Their collective leadership and guidance reinforced the importance of operational synergy, intelligence sharing, and cross-continental cooperation in dismantling wildlife crime syndicates.

As host, the ASEANAPOL Secretariat provided not only the training venue but also strong institutional support to facilitate the se amless delivery of this high-impact capacity-building program. The Secretariat’s involvement reflects its broader mandate of fostering police-to-police cooperation and empowering ASEAN Member Police Forces to address pressing transnational threats.

The SIG training was specifically designed to enhance the investigative and operational capabilities of law enforcement agencies in tackling wildlife and forest crime. Participants were trained in critical areas such as criminal intelligence analysis, surveillance, controlled deliveries, and evidence handling. The curriculum balanced classroom instruction with practical field simulations to ensure skills were applied in realistic operational contexts.

Freeland, ASEANAPOL’s trusted and long-standing partner, played a leading role in the technical design and facilitation of the course. Known globally for its work in countering wildlife and human trafficking, Freeland contributed expertise in intelligence-led investigations, network targeting, and multi-agency coordination. Mr. Galster’s strategic direction ensured the training remained grounded in field realities and promoted innovative approaches to enforcement and interdiction.

The Lusaka Agreement Task Force (LATF), Africa’s pioneering intergovernmental law enforcement organization focused on wildlife crime, brought invaluable perspectives to the training. Executive Director Phiri shared Africa’s operational insights, best practices, and mechanisms for cross-border enforcement, enriching discussions and inspiring future collaboration between ASEAN and African enforcement bodies.

The training brought t ogether 17 participants from various nationalities and disciplines, including six from Malaysia, one from LATF/Africa, three from Laos, four from Thailand, and three from Vietnam. Delegates represented police forces, customs, forestry, tax investigation, and prosecution sectors—demonstrating the value of a multi-agency approach to disrupting organized wildlife crime networks.

A major highlight was the field visit on Day 2 to the Customs Office at Pulau Indah, Klang, where participants observed a case presentation and toured cargo inspection facilities. The experience offered a hands-on understanding of inspection procedures and operational constraints at a major point of entry.

One of the most significant outcomes of the training was the strengthening of regional and intercontinental Special Investigation Groups (SIGs), dedicated to intelligence sharing and joint operations. Supported by ASEANAPOL, coordinated by Freeland, and enriched through LATF’s involvement, these SIGs are already producing results—contributing to successful seizures, arrests, and the dismantling of transnational criminal networks.

The ASEANAPOL Secretariat takes great pride in hosting this critical training activity and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting practical, intelligence-driven initiatives that protect biodiversity and combat transnational organized crime. Through this collaboration with Freeland and LATF, ASEANAPOL underscores the power of collective action in addressing one of the most urgent law enforcement challenges of our time.

Together, ASEANAPOL, Freeland, and LATF will continue to champion strategic partnerships, build law enforcement capacities, and deliver operational results—because wildlife crime is not just an environmental concern, but a serious threat to rule of law, security, and the future of our shared ecosystems.