BCL’s Richard Sallybanks, Anoushka Warlow and Greta Barkle have co-authored the chapter ‘Individuals in Cross-Border Investigations or Proceedings’ in the seventh edition of Global Investigations Review: Practitioner’s Guide to Global Investigations.
*Here is a short extract from the guide. If you wish to read the full guide please visit Global Investigations Review website.
40.1 Introduction
In any cross-border investigation, invariably suspects will be located in different jurisdictions or subject to investigations by authorities from different jurisdictions, or both.
This chapter looks at the key issues that can arise when acting for an individual present in the United Kingdom who is subject to criminal investigation or proceedings in one or more overseas jurisdictions, or who is facing parallel proceedings here and abroad.[2]
40.2 Cross-border co-operation
The United Kingdom might co-operate with overseas agencies or regulators in various ways when investigating or prosecuting an individual, ranging from informal ‘intelligence sharing’ to mutual legal assistance (MLA). The main domestic legislation governing MLA in the United Kingdom is the Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (CICA), Part 1 of which deals with criminal cases.
The United Kingdom is party to a number of bilateral and multilateral MLA treaties. While it is not necessary for an MLA treaty to exist between the relevant countries for a request to be made under CICA, requests are more likely to be successful where a treaty basis exists. Co-operation with EU Member States was changed by the United Kingdom’s exiting of the European Union. On 24 December 2020, the United Kingdom and the European Union signed the UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA), which includes specific provisions on co-operation and MLA, and facilitates the application between EU Member States and the United Kingdom of certain previous MLA treaties and conventions.[3] While the TCA ensures there remains a strong co-operative relationship, certain investigative tools, such as European investigation orders,[4] can no longer be used.[5]
MLA requests are usually made to the UK Central Authority (UKCA)[6] through a formal international letter of request. In March 2022 the UK Home Office updated its detailed guidance on how foreign authorities can make such requests.[7] MLA requests will only be considered appropriate when the request is for evidence (and not intelligence).[8]
A formal MLA request is not required where overseas police and other law enforcement agencies request assistance directly from their UK counterparts. A number of UK agencies[9] can receive direct requests, and often this form of co-operation (also known as mutual administrative assistance) is governed by data sharing agreements or memoranda of understanding.
In some instances, cross-border co-operation may extend to the establishment of a joint investigation team (JIT) between investigating agencies in more than one country.[10] Creating a JIT is another way information or evidence can be shared without the need for MLA.
*The guide was first published by Global Investigation Review on 4 January 2023. If you wish to read the full guide please visit Global Investigation Review website.
More like this
Lexology Panoramic: Government Investigations 2025
BCL's Michael Drury and Tom McNeill have published the chapter on Government Investigations for Lexology Panoramic.