International Co-operation in Criminal Matters Amendment Bill: Draft Submitted to Parliament

Posted 26 June 2025 Written by Acts Online
Category Parliament

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: A draft Amendment Bill to the International Co-operation in Criminal Matters Act, No. 75 of 1996, has been submitted to parliamentary committees for planning purposes following Cabinet approval.

In terms of the legislative process, the draft International Co-operation in Criminal Matters Amendment Bill was approved for tabling by Cabinet during its meeting on 14 May 2025. The Bill has been referred to the relevant parliamentary committees for information and planning, pending formal certification by the Office of the State Law Adviser. Once certified, the Bill will be formally tabled in Parliament for processing and public comment.

The proposed amendments aim to strengthen South Africa’s regulatory framework regarding mutual legal assistance and international judicial cooperation. Key objectives of the draft Bill include:

  • Addressing specific legal issues and procedural gaps related to extradition;
  • Refining the legal mechanisms for the confiscation of assets linked to criminal activity; and
  • Facilitating the transfer of proceeds of crime between jurisdictions in alignment with international standards.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligations; however, legal professionals should monitor the Bill’s progress to understand upcoming changes to cross-border criminal procedure.
  • For your business: Legal practices and compliance firms must prepare to update internal protocols regarding mutual legal assistance requests and asset forfeiture proceedings.
  • For your clients: Clients with international asset structures or those subject to cross-border investigations face potentially more robust mechanisms for the seizure and transfer of proceeds of crime.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/international-co-operation-in-criminal-matters-act-draft-amendment-bill-submitted-to-parliament

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