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Iceland and Foreign Authorities Reach Agreement on Notification of Investigation Documents

Reykjavik, Iceland - In a significant development, the Icelandic government has reached an agreement with foreign authorities regarding the notification of investigation documents to individuals in Iceland.

Notification Arrangement

Under the new arrangement, foreign authorities can send notifications or documentation related to investigations or criminal proceedings by mail to individuals in Iceland. In cases where it is assumed that the recipient does not understand the language in which the document is written, the document must be translated into Icelandic or another language known to be understood by the recipient.

The agreement also requires that notifications or documents accompanying investigations or criminal proceedings include information stating that the recipient can obtain information on their rights and obligations from the authorities who issued such documentation or other relevant authorities in the foreign state.

Iceland’s Efforts to Enhance Cooperation

This development is part of Iceland’s efforts to enhance cooperation with foreign authorities in the field of law enforcement. The country has been actively engaged in negotiating agreements with its international partners to facilitate the exchange of information and assistance in criminal investigations.

Iceland’s Laws on Confiscation

In related news, Icelandic law allows for confiscation of items of value belonging to individuals convicted of certain crimes. According to Article 69b of the General Penal Code, a confiscation order can be directed against an individual under certain circumstances in criminal proceedings.

  • Items of value belonging to an individual who has been convicted of an offence may be confiscated when the offence is punishable by at least six years’ imprisonment and when the individual has derived substantial gains from the offence.
  • Icelandic law also allows for confiscation of items of value acquired by the current or former spouse of the offender, as well as cohabiting partners, under certain conditions. The law also permits confiscation of items of value that have come into the possession of a legal person in which the individual is in a controlling position.

Victims’ Rights

The Icelandic government has also emphasized its commitment to protecting the rights of victims of crime. According to Article 69e of the General Penal Code, the value of confiscated items can be used to pay compensation claims from victims of crime.

  • In cases where a person suffers loss or damage as a result of an offence, the court may determine that the value of the confiscated items is to be used to pay compensation to the victim. If the offender pays compensation to the victim following the delivery of the judgment, the amount to be confiscated shall be correspondingly reduced.

National Legislation and Guides

For more information on Icelandic law and procedure, please visit the website of the Ministry of Justice or consult the links provided below: