Special prosecutors may register cases directly for investigations

Special prosecutors can now ask the Registry Office for a case number to open investigations ex officio, without first obtaining authorization from the Chief Prosecutor.

The option was introduced following a decision by Dren Paca, Acting Chief Prosecutor of the Special Prosecution Office, to amend and supplement the Guidelines on the Registry Office’s daily operations.

The Prosecution’s announcement says prosecutors may contact the office directly to obtain a registration number in order to begin investigations within their legal remit.

According to the institution, the decision was made in accordance with prosecutors’ powers and functional independence to initiate investigations ex officio. The Prosecution says the amendment is intended to simplify administrative procedures and encourage investigations to be launched.

The Special Prosecution Office has reaffirmed its commitment to combating organized crime and corruption, and to investigating offenses that fall within its jurisdiction.