The Criminal Proceedings Office is the core operational unit responsible for exercising criminal prosecution functions of the MP. Its main powers include:
- Opening and closing criminal cases;
- Receiving criminal case files and seizures from the police;
- Authorizing and directing police in conducting investigative acts;
- Initiating investigation procedures in accordance with the law, and applying coercive measures against suspects or proposing to judges for the application of such measures;
- Determining whether to initiate prosecution or archive cases upon completion of investigation.