Moldova becomes part of automated data exchange system with EU member states, facilitating identification of wanted persons, searched property

Moldova will be able to exchange police data with European authorities, in order to verify information more quickly about wanted persons and property and to identify persons involved in cross-border crimes. The parliament adopted, in the second reading, a draft law international police cooperation.

The legislative act, drafted by the Interior Ministry (MAI), establishes the legal framework for the automated and non-automated exchange of information for the purpose of preventing and combating crime, including the identification of wanted persons and property and the investigation of cross-border crimes.

The mechanism will enable the searching and exchange of data in more areas, including DNA profiles, fingerprint data, information about vehicles and their identifiable component parts, facial images and police records. This may include data on wanted or missing persons, as well as persons involved in criminal activities. Information may also be exchanged regarding major events with a cross-border dimension, the prevention of terrorist crimes, travel documents, visas and securities reported as stolen, lost, invalid, or counterfeit, as well as data concerning driving licences. Interoperability mechanisms with relevant European and international systems, including Europol and INTERPOL, are also provided for.

The document establishes a single point of contact for international police cooperation, to be provided by the specialized subdivision of the General Police Inspectorate (IGP) of the MAI. At the same time, the government will designate national contact points for various categories of data and information.

The new provisions will also regulate participation in patrols and joint operations, as well as mutual assistance mechanisms in the event of mass gatherings, disasters, or serious accidents with a cross-border impact. Cooperation may include the operational exchange of information, coordination of measures and the deployment of personnel and equipment.

A separate chapter of the draft is dedicated to the protection of personal data. All operations involving the provision and receipt of data must be recorded, while the National Center for Personal Data Protection will have the authority to supervise the legality of data processing, including at the request of data subjects or on its own initiative.

The law will enter into force six months after its publication in the Official Journal.

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