Part 1Mutual assistance in criminal matters

Chapter 4Information about banking transactions

Requests for information about banking transactions for use in UK

I145Sending requests for assistance

1

A request for assistance under section 43 or 44, other than one to which subsection (3) or (4) applies, is to be sent to the Secretary of State for forwarding—

a

to a court specified in the request and exercising jurisdiction in the place where the information is to be obtained, or

b

to any authority recognised by the participating country in question as the appropriate authority for receiving requests for assistance of the kind to which this section applies.

2

But in cases of urgency the request may be sent to a court referred to in subsection (1)(a).

3

Such a request for assistance by the Lord Advocate is to be sent to a court or authority mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b).

4

Such a request for assistance by a sheriff or a procurator fiscal is to be sent to such a court or authority, or to the Lord Advocate for forwarding to such a court or authority.