IRC and NIO on joint operations

The Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) and the National Intelligence Office (NIO) will now be able to share information and intelligence on joint operations.

This includes appropriate investigations, capacity building and technical cooperation, collaboration on cyber security, financial intelligence and Anti-money laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing frameworks.

The partnership was sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding in Port Moresby yesterday.

Tax evasion, illicit financial flows, money laundering, terrorism financing, smuggling and corruption weakens the country's economy and its sovereignty.

This was highlighted by the Director General of the National Intelligence Office Eddie Yodu adding that it is a partnership between two organisations with different mandates, it serves a common purpose to protect the country as threats to national security are crosscutting.

“National security is everyone's responsibility. Today, the National Intelligence Organization and the Internal Revenue Commission are showing what that means in practice. This MOU sets out how we will work together.” Director Yodu said.

DIO Director said their partnership provides sharing of information and intelligence, joint operations and investigations where appropriate, capacity building and technical cooperation and collaboration on cyber security and financial intelligence.

“Where our work uncovers criminal conduct, we will refer matters to FASU, the constabulary or other competent authorities and agencies to deal with them effectively.” He said.

Yodu said everything done under this Mou will remain within the laws and within each agency's statutory mandate, with full respect for taxpayer confidentiality. Information shared between the two agencies will be protected.

The Internal Revenue Commission’s Commissioner General Sam Loi is grateful for this MOU which will allow joint risk assessments and operational working groups and intelligence including practices in how threats are being assessed and new capabilities.

Acting Commissioner General Internal Revenue Commission, Sam Loi confirmed that this is the way forward in trying to establish the connection.

“I think this is the way forward in trying to establish that connection where we are able to do our jobs more effectively without each of the relevant agencies trying to keep their own fence around it.” Acting Commissioner Loi said.

Both organisations noted that with this collaboration, they can do their jobs more effectively in addressing threats to the country’s revenue.