HomeStrategic Intelligence-Sharing & Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) Advisory
In an era of growing cross-border data exchange and joint investigations, individuals and companies often become subjects of international information sharing without clear legal grounds or oversight. Misuse or misinterpretation of shared intelligence can lead to asset freezes, sanctions, or even criminal proceedings. Our firm provides strategic guidance and legal protection in matters involving international cooperation between enforcement, intelligence, and regulatory authorities.
Legal Protection Amid Expanding Global Information Exchange
In today’s interconnected world, cross-border data sharing and joint investigations have become standard practice among law enforcement and financial regulators. However, these mechanisms often lack transparency and legal safeguards, exposing individuals and corporations to unjustified scrutiny. Misinterpreted or mishandled intelligence can result in freezing of assets, inclusion in sanctions lists, or even criminal prosecution.
Our firm provides legal guidance and representation in cases involving international information exchange, Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) requests, and cooperation between enforcement, intelligence, and regulatory agencies. We ensure that global cooperation frameworks are applied lawfully and do not infringe upon our clients’ rights.
Understanding International Data-Sharing Risks
International oversight today relies heavily on data exchange between Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), tax authorities, and enforcement bodies. Information about clients, corporate transactions, and cross-border dealings is routinely transmitted across jurisdictions as part of anti-money laundering, corruption prevention, and counterterrorism efforts.
While such systems play a crucial role in maintaining financial transparency, they are not immune to error or abuse. Innocent individuals and law-abiding businesses may face unjustified investigations or reputational damage when information is misused or taken out of context. Legal assistance is therefore essential for navigating international cooperation frameworks and protecting data privacy in line with both domestic and international law.
Our team represents clients targeted by MLA requests or informal intelligence-sharing processes, ensuring that legal and procedural standards are respected and that no confidential or privileged data is disclosed unlawfully.
When You May Need Legal Support
Cross-border cooperation in enforcement continues to expand each year. Authorities in different countries regularly exchange banking data, beneficial ownership information, and corporate records — often through Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) or informal channels such as the Egmont Group. However, not every request is legitimate.
Legal representation is strongly recommended if:
- You receive an official or informal request for disclosure of information or evidence from a foreign authority;
- Your company or personal data becomes the subject of an investigation abroad;
- You face freezing of bank accounts or assets after an international data exchange;
- Your business partners or transactions draw attention from a foreign FIU;
- You need to prevent unauthorized sharing of confidential or commercially sensitive information.
In such cases, understanding not only national procedures but also the global cooperation framework — including MLA treaties, FATF standards, and UN conventions — is vital to mounting an effective legal response.
Our ServicesOur Services
We provide comprehensive legal support in cases involving Mutual Legal Assistance procedures and cross-border data-sharing mechanisms. Our services include:
- Legal review and response strategy for formal MLA requests, including drafting correspondence and coordinating with domestic and foreign authorities;
- Assessment of informal intelligence exchanges through channels such as FIUs, INTERPOL, and regional enforcement networks;
- Defense against unlawful investigations or asset freezes triggered by shared intelligence;
- Development of strategies to limit or correct the scope of shared data;
- Legal protection of privileged or sensitive information from disclosure;
- Negotiation and coordination with relevant agencies to withdraw, restrict, or rectify transmitted data.
Each case is handled with strict confidentiality and adherence to international human rights and data protection standards.
Legal Foundations of International Cooperation
Cross-border data exchange occurs through a complex web of legal and informal arrangements. Formal cooperation is typically based on Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs), regional agreements (such as within the EU), and conventions like the UN Convention against Corruption or the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.
However, informal cooperation — including communication within the Egmont Group of FIUs or between financial regulators — lacks judicial oversight and accountability. As a result, shared intelligence may be used to initiate investigations or impose sanctions without notifying or hearing the affected party.
Our firm evaluates the legality and procedural integrity of every information-sharing instance, identifying potential breaches of due process and misuse of international frameworks.
Defense Strategy and Representation
Our approach to defending clients in MLA and intelligence-sharing cases integrates legal, diplomatic, and strategic dimensions. We do not merely respond to requests — we take proactive steps to prevent future misuse of data or cooperation mechanisms.
Our defense includes:
- Assessing the validity and proportionality of international cooperation requests;
- Analyzing applicable bilateral and multilateral treaties;
- Preparing structured legal responses that safeguard client confidentiality;
- Submitting formal objections and motions to restrict data use;
- Engaging with domestic and foreign institutions to resolve disputes through negotiation rather than escalation.
Each action we take is guided by a dual objective — legal protection and preservation of professional reputation.
Experience in Global Cooperation
Our firm has extensive experience handling cases involving INTERPOL, national FIUs, and Mutual Legal Assistance offices. We assist clients in complex, multi-jurisdictional proceedings where information sharing overlaps with sanctions enforcement, asset recovery, or criminal investigations.
Our expertise enables us to:
- Challenge unlawful or politically motivated MLA requests;
- Prevent the misuse of transmitted data in enforcement proceedings;
- Ensure compliance with procedural guarantees and due process;
- Coordinate simultaneous representation in multiple jurisdictions.
By combining technical legal knowledge with strategic awareness of international enforcement systems, we provide our clients with an effective defense in politically and commercially sensitive cases.
Why Clients Choose Us?
Our main strength lies in our ability to bridge the gap between national laws and international cooperation mechanisms. We understand the architecture of global intelligence exchange — how requests are drafted, transmitted, and executed — and how to intervene at each stage to safeguard client interests.
We assist clients from a wide range of industries — including banking, technology, infrastructure, and defense — by developing bespoke legal and reputational protection strategies that ensure long-term resilience and compliance.
Commitment to Confidentiality and Legal Integrity
Every engagement is treated with absolute confidentiality. We recognize that MLA requests and intelligence-sharing often involve access to proprietary business information or personal data, the disclosure of which may have significant financial or reputational consequences.
Our mission is to ensure that such information is handled lawfully, used only for its intended purpose, and protected from any unauthorized dissemination. When necessary, we invoke both national remedies and international legal instruments to restore our clients’ rights.
Contact Our Experts
If you have received an international request for information, become the subject of a Mutual Legal Assistance process, or suspect that your data has been misused in cross-border intelligence sharing, our legal team is ready to assist.
We will design a tailored response strategy, represent you in negotiations with foreign authorities, and help you mitigate legal and reputational risks.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation and expert guidance in managing the challenges of international intelligence cooperation and MLA proceedings.
