Korea, Rwanda police forge ties to extradite fugitives, combat transnational crime

Criminals who flee to Rwanda will now be subject to extradition and investigation in South Korea, as the Korean National Police Agency moves to deepen security ties with its Rwandan counterpart. The agreement comes amid a rise in transnational crimes — including drug trafficking and scam operations — that cross borders, making inter-agency cooperation increasingly critical.

The Korean National Police Agency held a police chiefs' summit with the Rwanda National Police commissioner at its headquarters in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on Thursday, signing an MOU to strengthen security cooperation.

The agreement extends South Korea's law enforcement reach into East Africa. Under the pact, the two countries' police forces will strengthen international cooperation to apprehend and extradite fugitives abroad — establishing a legal basis for returning to South Korea those who committed crimes domestically and fled to Rwanda, as well as those who operated from Rwanda to target victims in South Korea.

The two sides also agreed to actively share crime-related intelligence and enhance international cooperation, including the arrest and extradition of overseas fugitives, to prevent and respond to transnational crimes such as terrorism, drug offenses and cybercrime.

Rwanda leads the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO) and is recognized as a driving force for security cooperation across the East African region. "This cooperation is also significant in that it links Rwanda's security cooperation network with our police's international cooperation capabilities," a police official said.

The agreement is also expected to strengthen protection for South Korean companies and nationals in Rwanda. Protection of overseas Koreans was a key agenda item at the summit. As the overseas activities of Korean citizens and businesses grow, close cooperation with local law enforcement has become essential. The Korean National Police Agency asked Rwanda National Police to pay particular attention to and support the safety of Korean nationals in the country — including Korean residents, businesspeople in sectors such as information and communications technology and construction, Official Development Assistance personnel, and NGO volunteers.

The two police forces also pledged to expand personnel exchanges for officer education and training. Five Rwandan police officers are currently enrolled in the graduate school of police science at the Korean National Police University, three of whom are set to receive master's degrees on Friday.

"I hope this MOU will serve as an opportunity for the police of both countries to respond more effectively to transnational crime and cooperate closely for the safety of our citizens," said Yoo Jae-seong, acting commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency. "I particularly ask for the active attention and cooperation of the local police in ensuring the safety of our nationals living in Rwanda and Korean companies operating there."