The Federal Law is aimed at improving the performance of preliminary investigation agencies. It delineates the functions of the Prosecutor’s Office and the preliminary investigation. To this end, the law transforms the Investigative Committee, which until now was part of the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation, into an independent state body with the power to conduct criminal proceedings. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation will report directly to the President of the Russian Federation.
The law defines the Investigative Committee’s tasks, mandate, legal framework and principles of operation, as well as the responsibilities of its staff and the rules of interaction and coordination with other government agencies to maintain law and order and combat crime.
The law ensures the independence of the Investigative Committee and non-interference in its activities by government bodies, individual officials or NGOs.
Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation and subordinate prosecutors will oversee the Investigative Committee’s compliance with the law.