By PAUL O’DONOGHUE, Senior Correspondent
VALDECY Urquiza, INTERPOL’s Secretary General, has described receiving the ‘John O’Driscoll Memorial Award’ as a “profound honour”.
Mr Urquiza received the award, which recognizes international cooperation to fight financial crime, at ‘Day Zero’ of the European Anti-Financial Crime Summit (EAFCS) 2026 in Dublin.
“I’m delighted to accept this as a recognition of the sustained commitment and collective efforts of INTERPOL, its member countries and our main partners in advancing international cooperation in the fight against financial and economic crime,” he said.
“New tools such as INTERPOL’s Silver Notice are strengthening our ability to trace illicit assets, disrupt criminal enterprises and hold serious criminals accountable. But it is the network of professionals, giving trust in daily operations, that enables success.”
He added: “John played a critical role in combating organizing crime and understood something fundamental about the world we operate in. That organized crime is not confined by borders, and that our response cannot be either.
“This award will be a reminder to me of the values that John stood for. And the responsibility to carry them forward in my work as a police officer and as INTERPOL’s leader.”
Valdecy Urquiza and John O’Driscoll award
The award was established to honour the late Garda Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll. He played a crucial role in taking down organised crime groups, such as the notorious Kinahan Cartel.
Muriel O’Driscoll, wife of the late John O’Driscoll, and Jim O’Callaghan, the Minister for Justice, presented Mr Urquiza with the award.
Ms O’Driscoll said: “This award recognizes exceptional law enforcement professionals who continue to fight against crime with the same dedication, resilience, bravery and integrity [John] lived by.
“This year, the award goes to Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza, who’s played a key role in strengthening international cooperation among law enforcement agencies, enhancing the global fight against crime and improving public safety.
Ms O’Driscoll added that the award “is a meaningful way to carry forward John’s legacy of commitment, determination and an unwavering devotion to fostering peace”.
“John leaves behind a profound impact on Irish law enforcement and a lasting example of what it means to live a life of purpose,” she said.
Ms de Bolle, the Executive Director of Europol, received the inaugural edition of the award last year.
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