ICAR Trainings on MLA Writing

When dealing with corruption investigations it is not uncommon that the stolen assets would be concealed overseas. This implies that successful investigations will need legal assistance from other jurisdictions.

Legal assistance can be sought in two ways. Certain information can be obtained through informal channels when it is not to be incorporated as evidence for an indictment. For this, trust needs to be built and networking is vital. The ICAR places an important emphasis on the importance of investigators and prosecutors getting acquainted on a professional level.

Formal mutual legal assistance requests must be forwarded when dealing with information that must be eventually incorporated into trial. The UNCAC establishes a series of formal requirements in regards to the way an MLA must be drafted. The correct drafting of an MLA is vital to avoid unnecessary delays in the procedure. The ICAR devotes a good portion of its programme to instructing the participants on how to draft a Mutual Legal Assistance Request properly.