Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLAT)

Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) are agreements between countries that facilitate cooperation in criminal investigations and prosecutions. When one country needs evidence or information from another to support a legal case, an MLAT provides a formal process to request and exchange that assistance. This can include sharing documents, witnesses, or other evidence. MLATs help ensure that countries can work together effectively to combat crime, particularly in cases involving cross-border issues like cybercrime, drug trafficking, or terrorism. They are essential for upholding the rule of law internationally.