The Cabinet of Ministers is taking urgent measures to expand international cooperation and expedite the collection of digital evidence in order to respond effectively to cases of cyber fraud. The protocol aims to modernize international cooperation in the field of cybercrime by ensuring faster access to electronic evidence through information-sharing mechanisms, direct communication with service providers, and the operation of 24/7 contact points. This was reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The document also contributes to “reducing the time required to obtain electronic evidence. This is important for conducting criminal investigations and preventing the loss of important data. At the same time, it establishes clear safeguards for the protection of personal data and respect for fundamental rights, ensuring a balance between conducting investigations and protecting citizens’ rights,” the ministry’s statement said.
Expansion of Powers
In addition, the ratification of the Second Additional Protocol grants Moldovan law enforcement agencies the authority to directly request digital data from foreign companies and conduct joint cross-border investigations, bypassing lengthy bureaucratic procedures.
The police’s new operational capabilities include direct requests to service providers: the police will be able to directly demand that foreign service providers and IT giants (such as Meta, Google, and Telegram) provide subscriber information, including IP addresses and registration data.
The names of domain owners will be disclosed—law enforcement will gain a simplified legal mechanism to quickly identify those who registered websites used for fraud or cyberattacks.
In situations involving an immediate threat to human life or safety, the police will be able to request the emergency disclosure of data on traffic and message content.
The protocol also allows for joint online investigations. Powers are being expanded to include the creation of international investigative teams that can coordinate actions in real time, conduct cross-border video conferences, and jointly analyze electronic evidence.
