Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, met yesterday with representatives of the National Crime Agency during his visit to Britain to promote Bermuda's fintech business development.

Mr Caines discussed investigation procedures for child sexual offences, and observed the child exploitation and online protection division's threat leadership and insight teams, the partnership delivery team, education team, child protection advisory team, and others tasked with investigating child sexual abuse and exploitation.

The minister also met with Simon Mason, the senior officer who leads work in the British Overseas Territories on the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

Mr Caines said there had been an increase in the reporting and prosecution of such offences in Bermuda.

Talks included “how we could strengthen our ties concerning investigation protocols, cross-border policing, and taking a closer look at their current procedures”, he said.

Mr Caines added: “We were able to see how the National Crime Agency worked and discussed the potential of members of the Bermuda Police Service who specialise in this area of travelling to the UK to train.

“We're pleased with how this relationship is progressing, and we're continuing our focus on making sure our systems are current and having the most active elements of investigation in place for offences against children.”

Mr Caines is scheduled to return to Bermuda tomorrow, a ministry spokeswoman said.