Strengthening Cross-Border Cooperation: Handling Electronic Evidence via Mutual Legal Assistance

© UNODC-Pakistan

2-4 December 2024, Karachi – A three-day workshop titled “Mutual Legal Assistance and Requesting Electronic Evidence Across Borders,” supported by the European Union (EU), successfully concluded in Karachi from 2-4 December 2024. This event, jointly organized by UNODC and the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), equipped Pakistan’s public sector stakeholders with advanced knowledge and practical tools to handle cross-border evidence requests effectively. Over 30 participants, including 7 women, from various government institutions and law enforcement agencies, attended the sessions.
In today’s interconnected world, combating cross-border terrorism and organized crime necessitates robust international cooperation. Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) enables countries to request and share crucial evidence, especially when addressing crimes involving digital platforms. However, such cooperation requires adherence to legal frameworks and standardized procedures. To address these challenges, UNODC, in collaboration with NACTA and with financial support from the EU, organized this comprehensive workshop focusing on MLA and electronic evidence. The event brought together legal experts, government representatives, and international stakeholders, fostering an in-depth understanding of drafting, transmitting, and managing cross-border requests.
The workshop commenced with opening remarks from NACTA and UNODC representatives, emphasizing the importance of effective MLA processes in combating crime and terrorism. Legal experts Mr. Muhammad Shahid Shafiq and Mr. Qasim Khan Mandokhail facilitated sessions on Pakistan’s MLA framework, engaging participants in practical exercises to simulate drafting preservation requests. A key session on the first day was conducted by Mr. Tahir Akbar Awan, Additional Director of NAML & CFT Authority, who provided detailed insights into the MLA process, focusing on when and why MLA is needed, and guiding participants through drafting and sending MLA requests (MLARs). His session included case studies and group exercises, ensuring a practical understanding of MLA procedures.
Ms. Arianna Lepore, Coordinator of the Global Initiative on Handling Electronic Evidence at UNODC, shared insights via video link on developing a customized practical guide for Pakistan. This guide will standardize procedures for requesting electronic evidence, ensuring consistency and efficiency.

© UNODC-Pakistan

Discussions on the second day revolved around voluntary data disclosure, non-MLA procedures, and the legal nuances of preservation requests. A standout session was the in-person presentation by Ms. Anca Stan, Public Prosecutor and Legal Officer in International Criminal Law at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Germany. Ms. Stan shared a comparative perspective on Germany’s MLA processes, offering detailed insights on international cooperation mechanisms and best practices. Her expertise provided practical guidance and enriched discussions, showcasing the value of international collaboration. Ms Stan shared EU contributions to the discussions, providing crucial expertise on handling cross-border electronic evidence requests. Ms. Maria Gavilan Rubio from the Spanish Department of Justice also contributed virtually, offering a detailed overview of Spain’s MLA requirements and practical steps to enhance cross-border collaboration.
The final day focused on drafting and sending emergency disclosure requests (EDRs) to service providers like TikTok and Meta, an essential skill for handling time-sensitive cases. Legal experts guided participants through hands-on exercises to understand the processes. The workshop concluded with discussions on the way forward, underscoring the need for continuous training and capacity-building.
This workshop marks a pivotal step in enhancing Pakistan’s ability to manage electronic evidence across borders, as well as a key milestone of the project Countering and Preventing Terrorism in Pakistan (CPTP). Financially supported by the EU, executed by UNODC, and led by NACTA, the CPTP project aimed at empowering community resilience against violent extremism and acts of violence.