“Regitra” to ensure data exchange, to speed up crime investigation

Implementing the Decision of Council of the European Union on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime as soon as early 2013, the State Enterprise “Regitra” shall start automatically providing the authorities of law enforcement in the European Union (EU) Member States with data of the Register of Road Vehicles of the Republic of Lithuania and shall ensure transmission of equivalent data from foreign countries to competent authorities in Lithuania, thereby facilitating a speedy investigation and prevention of international crimes.

The information provided by the enterprise shall offer new opportunities for investigation. EU Member States shall be provided with registration data of road vehicles and personal data of their owners (operators). “Regitra” shall, in concert with the State Enterprise “Infostruktūra”, ensure safe and stable data exchange around the clock seven days a week.

The purpose of data exchange is prevention and investigation of crimes as well as investigation of crimes falling within jurisdiction of courts or prosecutor offices of a country carrying out a query. The data shall also be provided to law enforcement authorities, in charge of public order.

The Council of the European Union has made the Decision on the launch of automated data exchange with regard to Vehicle Registration Data (VRD) in Lithuania on 13/11/2012. The decision was taken once the EU experts verified and assessed technical and organisational capability of data exchange at the Lithuanian authorities, including “Regitra”. Upon submission of a report by the experts, the Council concluded that Lithuania had implemented necessary data protection provisions and may be entitled to receive and supply personal data.

To date the Council has already granted the right to exchange such data to Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, France, Austria, Finland, Slovenia, Romania, Poland, Sweden and Lithuania. For data exchange purposes the states shall employ the European Car and Driving License Information System (EUCARIS).