General Prosecutor’s Office flags risks in PACCO draft law
The General Prosecutor’s Office has emphasized the need for extensive public consultations, legal and anti-corruption reviews, and expert assessments of the draft law proposing the establishment of the Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office (PACCO).
This statement comes in response to the legislative initiative aimed at restructuring specialized prosecution offices.
Following a preliminary analysis of the draft law, the General Prosecutor’s Office identified short-, medium-, and long-term risks that require careful assessment and management. The institution also warned that the proposed reorganization could significantly impact ongoing criminal investigations and procedural timelines.
"It is difficult to predict the operational timeline of the newly proposed institution, which could lead to disruptions in the Prosecutor’s Office’s activities. Moreover, the draft lacks clarity regarding its coordination with competent law enforcement agencies nationwide. Additionally, the proposed changes may hinder the effective implementation of the new prosecution structure, approved by Order No. 12/3 of January 24, 2025, which governs the General Prosecutor’s Office, territorial prosecution offices, and the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office," the statement explained.
Considering the necessity of aligning with European prosecution system standards and the country’s commitment to European integration, the General Prosecutor’s Office deems it essential to obtain input from European institutions such as the Consultative Council of European Prosecutors, alongside other relevant stakeholders involved in legislative processes.
Despite these concerns, the General Prosecutor’s Office reaffirmed its commitment to actively participate in the legislative process, offering institutional expertise to ensure that prosecutorial independence is upheld and that the system remains effective in combating crime at both national and regional levels.
The draft law proposing the creation of PACCO—a specialized body focused on fighting corruption, organized crime, terrorism, and torture—was published on February 13, following its registration in Parliament the previous day. According to the document, the new entity would operate independently within the General Prosecutor’s Office and replace the current specialized units: the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office and the Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
