Territorial jurisdiction rules clarified for criminal cases

The federal law clarifies the territorial jurisdiction rules for criminal cases.

Specifically, it is regulated that preliminary investigation may be conducted not only at the location of the defendant or the majority of eyewitnesses but also at the location of the majority of victims.

Furthermore, the head of the investigative agency under the federal executive body is authorised to determine the location of the preliminary investigation if a crime targeting the interests of the Russian Federation was committed outside the Russian Federation by a foreign national or a stateless person who is not a permanent resident of the Russian Federation.

The federal law increases the effectiveness of criminal investigation into wrongdoings committed remotely, including by using information and communication technology. The federal law also strengthens victims' legal protection.