Formal Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) procedures have been widely criticised as being too slow and not adapted to reality, in particular the nature of electronic evidence which is not only more volatile but also easier to manipulate than traditional types of evidence. Various initiatives on digital platforms for the cross-border transmission of judicial cooperation measures and electronic exchange of case-related data in criminal investigations have been aimed at addressing this criticism. One of these, Interpol’s initiative on the secure electronic transmission of MLA (e-MLA) exchanges, aims to allow for electronic transmission of formal MLA requests and responses, including evidentiary information in a digital format.

This document analyses Interpol’s e-MLA initiative, including the objectives and the scope of the platform.

The document was prepared within the framework of the SIRIUS Project. The SIRIUS Project has received funding from the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments under Contribution Agreement No PI/2020/417-500.