Astana — Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has officially signed the law ratifying the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters. This landmark document opens new and powerful legal mechanisms for the recovery of capital illegally withdrawn abroad, Tiek.kz reports, citing the Akorda press service.
Expanding Law Enforcement Powers
Joining this international convention will empower Kazakhstan’s law enforcement agencies to seamlessly obtain evidentiary support from their foreign counterparts in ongoing criminal cases. The primary objective of this ratification is the repatriation of assets acquired through illegal means and hidden overseas.
Experts expect this strategic move to significantly enhance the speed and overall effectiveness of ongoing investigations, particularly those involving complex transnational crime.
Streamlining Procedures and Digitalization
Beyond asset recovery, the ratified document establishes common regulatory principles for the provision of services, including within the financial sector. The new regulatory framework stipulates:
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Streamlining Request Procedures: Simplifying the process for submitting legal assistance requests and significantly reducing their processing times.
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Digital Integration: Introducing the capability to send applications and receive legal permits in a fully electronic format.
Global Reach and Cooperation
To date, the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters boasts 46 full member states from the Council of Europe. Furthermore, the agreement has been joined by four non-member countries: Israel, South Korea, Mongolia, and Chile. With the President’s signature, Kazakhstan has now officially joined their ranks, expanding its international legal footprint.
