Questionnaire Belgium

I.12 Which special investigation methods?

With the Act of 6 January 2003 (Law Gazette 12 May 2003) the use of three special investigation methods – i.e. observation, infiltration and the use of informants – has been officially regulated (sect. 47ter CCP). These methods are carried out by the police forces that have been assigned by the Minister of Justice, in a preliminary or in a judicial inquiry, under the authority of the public prosecutor. When the special investigation methods cross the boundaries of a district or when they relate to the competences of the federal prosecutor, the competent prosecutors are obliged to notify one another and to make sure the methods can be carried out well.