Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters is regulated in a comprehensive act that covers cooperation with EU-MS as well as third states. The underlying principle is that Swedish authorities should be able to assist foreign states with every measure that is available for Swedish authorities in domestic investigations or proceedings. Most EU instruments on mutual recognition has been implemented through separate laws, as for example the Act on Surrender from Sweden according to a European Arrest Warrant.
Incoming requests to Sweden are normally handled by the prosecutors at the three International Public Prosecution Offices, each of them covering a specific geographical area of Sweden (Stockholm, Göteborg and Malmö). For some specific measures, the District Court is the competent authority, e.g. the taking of evidence in court or hearing by telephone or videoconference in court.
Outgoing requests from Sweden are handled by the prosecutor in charge of the criminal investigation, either at the International Public Prosecution Offices, at other Public Prosecution Offices or at the Swedish Economic Crime Authority. For some specific measures, requests are sent by the District Court.
Financial and economic crimes are handled by the Swedish Economic Crime Authority. The Swedish Economic Crime Authority is a multidisciplinary prosecution authority employing prosecutors, police officers and auditors.
The International Division at the Office of the Prosecutor General is responsible for policy issues with regard to international judicial cooperation. The Prosecutor General also has some specific tasks and decision-making powers in cases concerning judicial co-operation.
The Central authority at the Ministry of Justice has an overall responsibility for the international co-operation. Where direct contacts cannot be used requests should be sent to the Central authority.