Under what circumstances will the Royal Navy capture and detain pirates?
A – If it is considered that there is sufficient evidence on which to charge suspected pirates they will be detained and subsequently transferred to a regional state for prosecution. The UK has an arrangement with the Kenyan and Seychelles government which allows the transfer of suspected pirates to these countries. Conversely, if after thorough investigation there is insufficient evidence on which to charge suspected pirates, they will be released. Any piracy equipment, such as ladders and weapons, which are found will be seized and, if it is not practicable to keep it, destroyed.
