Major Crimes Investigation Agency faces launch uncertainty

Preparations for the launch of the Major Crimes Investigation Agency (MCIA) face significant uncertainty as its scheduled opening approaches. Despite the planned launch, critical legal and systemic frameworks remain unresolved, including approximately 180 related laws that require amendment following the abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights.

Key issues include jurisdictional disputes between the police and the MCIA, as well as inconsistencies within the Criminal Procedure Act regarding search and seizure requests. The development of the Criminal Justice Information System (KICS) and the legal basis for a joint investigation headquarters between the prosecution and police also remain pending.

Political friction in the National Assembly is complicating the process. While the government and ruling party propose creating specialized teams for crimes against the vulnerable, opposition parties have raised concerns that the proposed investigative procedures involving the police, prosecution, and MCIA will become overly complex. Additionally, disagreements persist between the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Ministry of Justice regarding the scale and structure of the new prosecution office.