Part 1 U.K.Mutual assistance in criminal matters

Chapter 4U.K.Information about banking transactions

Requests for information about banking transactions in England and Wales and Northern Ireland for use abroadE+W+N.I.

33Making, varying or discharging customer information ordersE+W+N.I.

(1)A judge may make a customer information order, on an application made to him pursuant to a direction under section 32(3), if he is satisfied that—

(a)the person specified in the application is subject to an investigation in the country in question,

(b)the investigation concerns conduct which is serious criminal conduct,

(c)the conduct constitutes an offence in England and Wales or (as the case may be) Northern Ireland, or would do were it to occur there, and

(d)the order is sought for the purposes of the investigation.

(2)The application may be made ex parte to a judge in chambers.

(3)The application may specify—

(a)all financial institutions,

(b)a particular description, or particular descriptions, of financial institutions, or

(c)a particular financial institution or particular financial institutions.

(4)The court may discharge or vary a customer information order on an application made by—

(a)the person who applied for the order,

(b)a senior police officer,

(c)a constable authorised by a senior police officer to make the application,

(d)a senior customs officer,

(e)a customs officer authorised by a senior customs officer to make the application.