The Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (Exercise of Functions) Order 2009
Part 1 of the Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (‘the 2003 Act’) provides statutory powers pursuant to which the United Kingdom can both seek and provide various forms of mutual legal assistance concerning criminal matters. Where the execution of a request for criminal mutual legal assistance concerning evidence located in England, Wales or Northern Ireland requires the use of search and seizure powers, the territorial authority which is dealing with the request may, under section 13 of the 2003 Act, direct that a search warrant be applied for under section 17 of that Act; a search warrant under section 17 of the 2003 Act falls to be applied for by a constable. Section 19 of the 2003 Act provides that evidence seized by a constable under or by virtue of section 17 of that Act must be forwarded directly to the court or overseas authority which made the request or to the relevant territorial authority, who will then forward it in turn to that court or overseas authority.