Both sides exchanged views on mutual concerns, and discussed a number of issues, including investigations and methods to counter drug trafficking and money laundering activities, freezing and confiscation of crime proceeds, processing of suspicious transactions reports made by financial institutions to Joint Financial Intelligence Unit, and mutual legal assistance matters.

"Criminals are now working on a global scale. To effectively disrupt transnational crimes, we shall continue working closely with our overseas counterparts and exchanging operational intelligence on drug trafficking and money laundering activities," Mr Chau said.

Guardia di Finanza is the Italian national law enforcement body specialised in the investigation of financial crimes, money laundering, drug trafficking and tax evasion.