U.S. Embassy Hands Over Equipment Worth US$ 16000 to ICAC

Port Louis, September 15, 2011:

Equipment including computer towers, consumables and digital forensics software worth some US$ 16000 (about Rs 480 000) were handed over officially by Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) Troy Fitrell to the Director of the Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) Anil Kumar Ujoodha today. This equipment has been sent by the Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program (ATA). The ATA program trains civilian security and law enforcement personnel from friendly governments in police procedures that deal with terrorism. The aim is to develop the most effective means of training for bomb detection, crime scene investigation, airport and building security, maritime protections, and VIP protection.

Speaking at an official ceremony today, CDA Fitrell said: “ICAC has been a valuable partner and an entity which Mauritius should be proud of, as it provides exemplary service to the country.”  He recalled that ICAC had requested assistance from the U.S. Government in obtaining training towards establishing a forensic laboratory. Hence, ICAC investigators obtained training at the U.S. International Law Enforcement Academy in Botswana. This was followed by in-country ATA cyber crime training including Cyber Unit Management Consultation and the Introduction to Digital Forensics and Investigation. “Such skills, however, require the necessary tools,” CDA Fitrell added, therefore the decision to grant equipment to both ICAC as well as the Police IT Unit subsequently.  The result will now be an increased investigative ability to pursue additional sources of evidence electronically.

ICAC Director Anil Kumar Ujoodha was very grateful to the U.S. Embassy for receiving this equipment, as he said ICAC is always in need of resources to keep building its capacities. He underlined the U.S. Government’s prompt response to providing the assistance sought by the commission, underlining that the ICAC now has unprecedented expertise and a wholly autonomous IT forensics capability.