EU Council of Ministers tackles financial crime

A package of measures designed to boost co-operation between European Union member states in the fight against fraud and organised crime has been approved by the EU Council of Ministers for Justice and Home Affairs in Brussels. Following more than a year of detailed discussion, ministers finally agreed a Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters between member states, which will also involve the policing and judicial systems of Iceland and Norway. The convention includes rules: stating the type of legal proceedings for which assistance should be offered; on formalities and procedures; on the sending and service of documents; and on direct contacts between law enforcement and judicial authorities. It also contains provisions on specific forms of mutual assistance such as restitution, temporary transfer of persons, hearing by video and telephone conference and cross-border investigation methods, including controlled deliveries, joint investigation teams and covert investigations.