Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1987

Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1987

What is this law?

This Act is Australia's legal framework for cooperating with other countries on criminal investigations and prosecutions. Think of it as the rulebook for when Australia helps foreign police catch criminals — and when foreign countries help Australia do the same.

Who does it affect?

• Ordinary people can be directly affected: you could be required to give evidence, have your property searched or seized, have your phone records or communications handed to a foreign government, or be transferred to another country to assist an investigation — even if you haven't committed any crime.
• Businesses and financial institutions may be required to produce documents or records.
• People under investigation overseas whose assets are in Australia may have those assets frozen or forfeited.
• Governments (Australian federal, state and territory) involved in cross-border criminal matters.

What can actually happen under this law?

1. Evidence gathering: A foreign country can ask Australia to compel witnesses to give evidence before a magistrate or judge, with recordings sent overseas. Australians can also be required to produce documents for foreign courts.
2. Search and seizure: Police can obtain warrants to search premises and seize items for use in overseas criminal cases.