Maldives: Specialised national workshop and legislative consultation focuses on handling electronic evidence

Male, Maldives/19-23 June 2022: UNODC’s Terrorism Prevention Branch organized a specialized national workshop and legislative consultation on handling electronic evidence. The event took place as part of the project “Strengthening the Capacity of Central Authorities and Counter-Terrorism Prosecutors and Investigators in Obtaining Terrorism-Related Electronic Evidence”, implemented with the support of the US Government under the UNODC Global Initiative on Handling Electronic Evidence Across Borders.

Building on UNODC’s practical guide and data disclosure framework, the event touched upon fundamental topics linked to gathering of electronic evidence across borders. It provided, in particular, an outline of challenges and best practices linked to the various means to collect evidence from foreign jurisdictions, including Mutual Legal Assistance, preservation, voluntary and emergency disclosure requests.

The event was highly interactive, allowing participants to practice drafting requests and discuss gaps in the Maldivian institutional and legislative frameworks which could hinder the process.

7 male and 8 female participants from the Prosecutor General’s Office, Maldives Police Service and the Attorney General’s Office joined the event.

Two experts from private companies and a representative of the US’s Department of Justice also provided their insights during dedicated online sessions, explaining procedures and requirements for the disclosure of evidence.

This activity contributes to SDG 16: https://sdg-tracker.org/

(Supported by US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs)