Jul.01, 2010

A treaty between America and Bermuda aimed at tackling money launderers, drug traffickers and terrorists has been sent to the US Senate for approval by President Barack Obama.

The agreement means the two countries will assist each other in criminal matters in various ways, including freezing assets, executing searches and producing evidence.

The White House released a statement on Tuesday which said the president had sent the treaty — signed in Hamilton on January 12 last year — to the US Senate to be ratified.

"The treaty is one of a series of modern mutual legal assistance treaties being negotiated by the United States to more effectively counter criminal activities," it said.

"The treaty should enhance our ability to investigate and prosecute a wide variety of crimes. The treaty provides for a broad range of cooperation in criminal matters."

Premier Ewart Brown said last night: "This treaty represents the continuing partnership and cooperation between our two countries.

"Our relationship, maintained through constant communication, continues to strengthen and provides tremendous benefits for the people of both Bermuda and the United States. We are pleased to be able to work with the US Government to counter international criminal activity."

Attorney General Kim Wilson added: "The Bermuda Government has consistently expressed its commitment to playing its role in the global fight against crime and to safeguarding the security and economic well-being of Bermuda.

"We see this as an important way of demonstrating that commitment and look forward to working with the authorities in the United States of America in these matters."

Under the treaty, Bermuda and the US have agreed to assist each other by: producing evidence obtained voluntarily or, where necessary, by compulsion; arranging for individuals, including persons in custody, to travel to the other country to provide evidence; serving documents; executing searches and seizures; locating and identifying persons or items; and freezing and forfeiting assets or property that may be the proceeds or instrumentalities of crime.

Finance Minister Paula Cox announced in December 2008 that negotiations over the details of the treaty had been finalised.

She described it as "a positive development for our two countries" which would help to bolster Bermuda's reputation as an international business centre.

The Deputy Premier said the signing had special significance for her, as her late father and former Finance Minister Eugene Cox led the Bermuda delegation in the early rounds of negotiation.