Approach to the European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020 Security Evidence Mutual Legal Assistance and Asset Freezing and Confiscation
Mutual legal assistance (MLA) is a method of cooperation between states for obtaining assistance in the investigation or prosecution of criminal offences. MLA is generally used for obtaining material that cannot be obtained on a police cooperation basis, particularly for assistance that requires court authorisation before it can be carried out. An aspect of MLA is reciprocal assistance in the context of measures taken to identify, freeze and confiscate the proceeds of crime.
	The Act provides for the aspects of the TCA which support effective cooperation on MLA in criminal matters and asset freezing and confiscation, supplementing the relevant Council of Europe Conventions by providing for streamlined processes, including standard formats for making requests and specific timescales for action. On asset freezing and confiscation, the Agreement provides for more limited grounds for refusal of a request allowing for the broadest cooperation possible. On MLA, the Agreement provides for direct transmission, allowing UK prosecutors to send requests directly to competent authorities in EU Member States. This will ensure action can be taken quickly and effectively.