Visiting French Major LeBlanc of the National Gendarmerie, French Armed Forces, talked about policing in France and fighting corruption in Afghanistan, to a attentive audience of over 50 persons on June 26.

His talk was during Tuesday’s Ada Rotary Club meeting at The Inn at ONU. Also attending were members of the Ada Kiwanis, Ada police and interested Ada residents. LeBlanc and Ada Police Chief Mike Harnishfeger have been friends for several years. 

Telling about his Afghanistan experience, the major said his tour there was to demonstrate to the Afghan people and to the international community that high-level public corruption will not be tolerated.

In the end of his tour Governor Abubakr, who was the subject of a sensitive police investigation, which also involved the FBI, was removed from office.

“This was a small victory,” said LeBlanc. “The governor was very, very rich and was involved in several bribes.” During the long investigation, Abubakr was suspected of taking bribes from local contractors and was suspected of being part of the insurgency in the country.”

LeBlanc explained that his mission to Afghanistan was to provide assistance to those investigating Abubakr.  He was also involved in training Afghan police officers.

“Our goal was to cut off links between the Taliban and the Afghan people,” he said. “That’s the reason we train Afghan police.”

Speaking of his brief visit to Ada, he said, “I’ve met your citizens. There is something very close with our two organizations (French National Gendarmerie and Ada Police Department). We are very close to the people as are the Ada police. We know the group and we know the people. When you are close to people you can solve your cases.”

At the conclusion of his talk he was presented with several gifts from the village and the police department.