Fiches Belges: Oostenrijk

Is this measure possible in your Member State under International Judicial Cooperation?

"The freezing of bank accounts is considered to be a subtype of seizure (see measure 504) under Austrian law. It is admissible if it appears to be necessary 1. for reasons of evidence, 2. to secure private-law claims, or 3. to secure confiscation, forfeiture, recovery or another property-law order stipulated by law (please see measure 505)."

International legal framework applicable for this measure in your Member State

Directive regarding the European Investigation Order in criminal matters in relation to Member States as regards freezing of evidence. Since Austria has not yet implemented the afore mentioned Directive: Council Framework Decision 2003/577/JHA of 22 July 2003 on the execution in the European Union of orders freezing property or evidence; European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (20.04.1959); Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance between Member States of the European Union (29.05.2000)

* receive the request/decision for judicial cooperation

The public prosecutor’s office with competences for the court district in which the act of judicial assistance is to be performed.

* execute/recognise the measure (if other than the receiving authority)

The practical execution of the measures is performed by security authorities (criminal police).

Accepted languages for the request/decision

German, English, French and - in case of reciprocity, if the requesting state would accept a request in german language - also the language of the requesting state.

Deadlines for the execution of the request/decision (where applicable)

None (requests in urgent cases shall be marked as urgent).

a. Special requirements

"Dual criminality is required. A request for ordering and performing the investigative measure shall comprise a copy, a certified copy or a photostat copy of the order of the competent authority. If this is not a court order, the authority requesting judicial assistance shall present a statement explaining that the prerequisites required for such measures are met under the law applicable in the requesting State."

b. Other useful information

There shall be compliance with a request for judicial assistance which requires a procedure that differs from Austrian laws on criminal procedure, if this is compatible with the criminal procedure and its principles.