New legislation will make it easier for the Bermuda Police Service to partner with international agencies to investigate crimes.

The Police (International Cooperation) Amendment Act 2026 passed without objection in the House of Assembly on Friday.

The Reverend Emily Gail Dill, the Minister of the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, told MPs that while the BPS works with international agencies, there was no prior legal framework for doing so.

The bill, which amends the Police Act 1974, allows the Commissioner of Police to enter into written agreements and informal arrangements, as well as establish joint investigation teams and share information with overseas agencies.

Dr Dill explained: “These amendments strengthen Bermuda's ability to respond to criminal activity that extends beyond our shores and provide greater clarity and accountability around an important aspect of modern policing.”

Jarion Richardson, the Shadow Minister of the National Security, Governance and AI, voiced support for the bill, but questioned what practical weaknesses it will fix.

Dr Dill responded that amendment closes a legislative gap by allowing officers to lawfully exchange information.

MPs also voted to strengthen the powers of the Financial Intelligence Agency and money laundering legislation yesterday.

The Financial Intelligence Agency Amendment Act 2026, the Proceeds of Crime Amendment Act 2026 and Proceeds of Crime (Miscellaneous) Act 2026, all passed without objection in the House.

Dennis Lister III, the Junior Minister of Finance, said the Financial Intelligence Agency Amendment Act allows the agency to gather information on “financial crime, suspected proceeds of criminal conduct, potential money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing offences” while maintaining its autonomy.

Mr Richardson believes the proposed amendments “untie one or two things” that will take the industry “a couple of months to tie it back together”.

The Proceeds of Crime Amendment Act 2026 proposes a unit for asset recovery within the Ministry of Justice, guidelines for selling depreciating properties and compensating those affected.

Mr Lister said: “This bill establishes a modern, coordinated framework for recovering, preserving, managing and disposing of the proceeds of crime, and for ensuring that victims are properly compensated.

“It forms part of the government's continuing commitment to a robust and safe environment, an effective response to financial crime and to meeting Bermuda's international obligations in this area.”

The Proceeds of Crime Miscellaneous Act 2026 allows investigators to investigate professional services firms that may not be registered on the island and mandates that members of the Barrister and Accountants AML/ATF Board — responsible for monitoring money laundering and terrorist financing regulations — be experienced in these areas.

Previous regulations, specified in the Bermuda Bar Act 1974, stated that AML/ATF board members needed to have at least ten years experience in either law or accounting.