By PAUL O’DONOGHUE, Senior Correspondent
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza has said he is ‘honoured’ to receive the 2026 John O’Driscoll Memorial Award for International Co-Operation at Dublin Castle on April 28.
The award, established in memory of the late Garda Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll, recognises outstanding contributions to the global fight against financial crime.
It is presented annually during ‘European Anti‑Financial Crime Summit’. The event attracts more than 800 leaders from banking, fintech, insurance, crypto, supervision, regulation and law enforcement.
Tánaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris will open this year’s conference, which is organised by AML Intelligence, at the RDS in Dublin on April 29. AML Intelligence organises the AFC Summit Series in Dublin, London and Brussels.
Mr Urquiza described the award as “a profound honour”.
“I am delighted to accept as a recognition of the sustained commitment and collective efforts of INTERPOL, its member countries, and our many partners in advancing international cooperation in the fight against financial and economic crime,” he said.
“I am particularly mindful of the significance of the Award, named in honour of the late Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll, whose legacy in strengthening international law enforcement cooperation continues to resonate.”
Presentation
Muriel O’Driscoll, wife of the late John O’Driscoll, will co-present the award on April 28. Jim O’Callaghan, Ireland’s Justice Minister, and Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly will also take part in the presentation. Ms O’Driscoll said she was honoured to recognise Urquiza’s work.
“I am honoured and proud to be invited to present the ‘John O’Driscoll Award for International Co-Operation’ this year to INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza,” she said.
“This lasting tribute was established to celebrate the memory of John. By recognising exceptional law enforcement professionals, both here and abroad, who exemplify courage and leadership in the fight against crime.
“I’m sure John would be both humbled and proud to know that an award, in his name, was being presented to such a worthy recipient.”
John O’Driscoll impact
Last year’s award went to Europol Executive Director Catherine De Bolle.
John O’Driscoll served as assistant garda commissioner for special crime operations from 2016. Here, he played a key role in combatting the Kinahan organised crime group.
He served in An Garda Síochána for 41 years, retiring in 2022. He passed away in September 2024.
Mr Urquiza became INTERPOL Secretary General in November 2024. Prior to this, he served as the Director of International Cooperation for the Brazilian Federal Police.
He also held roles as the organisation’s head of International Legal Cooperation Division, International Relations Division, and Directorate of Information Technology.
He served as INTERPOL Vice‑President for the Americas from 2021 to 2024. From 2018 to 2021, he worked as Assistant Director for Vulnerable Communities at INTERPOL’s General Secretariat in Lyon. There, he oversaw efforts against crimes against children, human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
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