Lobito - The Public Prosecutor for the criminal police bodies of Lobito (Province of Benguela), Almerindo Bastos, defended, on Wednesday, that the inviolability of borders results from collective effort and the improvement of defense, security and legal mechanisms.
The magistrate made these statements to the press, on the sidelines of a meeting of the Coordinated Border Management Committee (CGCF), which aims to respond to the many challenges that may arise due to the migratory flow and economic development.
"We have several concrete situations, such as the case of economic development, in particular the Lobito Corridor, which means that we have a frequency of businesspeople, tourists and those interested in developing their activity", he pointed out.
He drew attention to the issue of money laundering, the falsification of documentation, whether at the import level, to create a certain business or to gain access to a property.
Almerindo Bastos reported that, at Benguela level, there is no frequency of fuel smuggling.
However, he considers it necessary to pay attention to this situation and drug trafficking, which requires different bodies to monitor the maritime border and, above all, at Catumbela International Airport.
Among other topics, CGCF members will speak, for two days, about the causes and consequences of illegal emigration, the limit of jurisdiction of the territorial sea, illegal fishing in Benguela, an economic, social and criminal vision and the Angolan Penal Code.
The Importance of the Lobito Corridor and crime prevention, and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) and Airport Security are also at stake.
Coordinated Border Management Committee
The CGCF is made up of the General Tax Administration, the Criminal Investigation Service, the Customs Tax Police, the Migration and Foreigners Service and the Attorney General's Office.
It is an institution integrated by several State bodies and, in the province of Benguela, it has been established for a short time, according to border commissioner Joaquim Cabelo Branco, its deputy coordinator.
The commissioner considered it to be an added value in preventing and combating crime.
Asked about immigration offenses and the most prevaricating nationalities, he stated that there were no reasons for complaints.
"We have excellent relations in terms and exchange of information and they carry out their activities within standards and respect", he assured.
In his opinion, the need to increase personnel and resources is cyclical, but the organization has been able to provide adequate responses to ensure the inviolability of the territory.
"We are still 'juniors', but we are well trained and have the skills to walk", he stressed.
TC/CRB/CF/DOJ
