As cybercrime continues to grow worldwide, with an increasing number of offences committed online, including cyber fraud, cyberattacks, and data theft, it is essential to equip authorities with modern and effective tools for obtaining electronic evidence quickly, including when such evidence is located outside the country.
In this context, the Government has approved the decision on the ratification of the Second Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime, signed in Strasbourg on May 12, 2022.
The Protocol is designed to strengthen and modernize international cooperation in combating cybercrime by facilitating faster access to electronic evidence. It introduces improved mechanisms for information exchange, enables direct communication with service providers, and supports the establishment of 24/7 contact points to assist cross-border investigations.
The new provisions will significantly reduce the time required to obtain electronic evidence, thereby increasing the effectiveness of criminal investigations and helping prevent the loss of critical data. At the same time, the Protocol establishes robust safeguards for the protection of personal data and fundamental rights, ensuring an appropriate balance between investigative needs and the protection of citizens’ freedoms.
Its implementation will enhance Moldova’s capacity to prevent and combat cybercrime, strengthen national cybersecurity, and further align the country with European standards as part of its European integration efforts.
