Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) is the formal process by which countries are able to request co-operation in the investigation and prosecution of crime. The international nature of many criminal investigations has seen a rise in these kinds of requests.

Mutual legal assistance (MLA) is a process where countries cooperate to gather evidence and information for criminal investigations and prosecutions. It involves formal requests, often through a Letter of Request (LOR), to assist with matters such as serving documents, taking testimony, and executing searches for documents and evidence, such as bank records or electronic data. This cooperation is typically established through bilateral or multilateral treaties, called Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs), which can be used to obtain evidence that is not available through regular police cooperation.

Requests for Mutual Legal Assistance often involve requests for evidence or witness statements. We have experience in advising clients of their obligations in relation to any request that is made to them or their company.

Countries can also use Mutual Legal Assistance to seek the enforcement of judgments, asset freezes and confiscation orders worldwide.

We have experience in acting for clients having such orders and requests against them. If you require legal advice, please contact us.