Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT)

A Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) is an agreement between two countries that facilitates cooperation in criminal investigations and proceedings. It helps nations gather evidence, extradite suspects, and share information relevant to crimes across borders. When one country requests assistance from another, the MLAT provides a legal framework ensuring that these requests are handled efficiently and legally, respecting each country's laws. This cooperation is essential for combating international crime, such as drug trafficking, terrorism, or cybercrime, by enabling countries to work together effectively while maintaining legal safeguards.