Never Stop Expanding Criminal Cooperation with Allies Taiwan and Tuvalu Signed Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters

The “Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Between the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of Tuvalu” was signed by Minister of Justice of the R.O.C., Tsai Ching-Hsiang, as well as Minister of Justice, Communication, Foreign Affairs of Tuvalu, Honourable Simon Kofe today, which demonstrates the firm belief and concrete achievements of the two countries in jointly promoting international judicial cooperation.

Following those concluded with the U.S., the Philippines, South Africa, Poland, Nauru, Belize, Slovak, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Palau, and Germany, this Treaty is the eleventh of its kind that Taiwan has entered with a foreign country/jurisdiction. It is also the second one being inked after the Taiwan-Germany Legal Cooperation Agreement this year. This fully demonstrates the strong determination of the Ministry of Justice to fight crimes alongside the world.

The Ministry of Justice has been working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the Republic of China in Tuvalu for negotiation and finally reached the consensus. The Treaty covers taking testimony/statements, providing documents, locating or identifying persons/items, serving documents, examining objects and sites, conducting searches and seizures, freezing or forfeiture of assets, and other assistance in compliance with the laws of both countries. It also allows the taking of evidence via video conference, and the requesting party can be present in interviews to pose questions if permitted. That means the authorities of Taiwan and Tuvalu are able to work as a joint investigation team and combat transnational crimes more efficiently and effectively.

Minister Honourable Simon Kofe met with Justice Minister Ching-Hsiang Tsai during the visit to Taiwan. The two exchanged views on judicial cooperation and the application of blockchain technology in the judicial field. Chih-Yuan Lu, the assistant special agent in charge, introduced the blockchain-applied “Judicial Alliance for Digital Era” (b-JADE), which made the first step in cooperation between the two countries. The Ministry of Justice will continue expanding international cooperation and fulfilling our responsibilities as a member of the international community.