PG says AI will speed up case processing without compromising data security

The Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) has said its newly launched digital transformation programme will use artificial intelligence (AI) to assist with legal drafting, research and case analysis while maintaining safeguards to protect sensitive data.

The initiative, known as PGO 2.0, was launched on Monday as part of a plan to digitise the office's operations and modernise case management processes over the next two years.

Speaking on PSM's Raajje Miadhu programme on Tuesday night, Prosecutor General Abbas Shareef said the project's main objective is to integrate AI into prosecutors' workflows to reduce manual processing time and improve efficiency.

According to Abbas, one of the areas expected to benefit most from the transition is the preparation of cases for court submission.

He said prosecutors currently spend significant time reviewing documents received from law enforcement agencies, scanning files, organising records and preparing charge sheets before cases can be filed in court.

“[With PGO 2.0], the initial drafting phase of court submissions will be digitised, and AI will handle the process entirely. Cases that currently take 24 to 48 hours to submit at the fastest can instead be sent to court within half a day—or roughly six hours. Even for the most complex cases, AI will complete the initial drafting required for court submission within 48 hours,” Abbas said.

Under the new system, case files submitted by investigative authorities will be digitised and organised automatically, including documents submitted in handwritten or photocopied form.

The system will also generate legal analysis required for court filings and produce draft versions of documents needed for submission.

“These are tasks that previously took us a week, two weeks, or even a month. Insha Allah, two years from now, this will happen in a matter of minutes. By the time scanned electronic files reach the prosecutor, these processes will be completed within 15 to 20 minutes,” Abbas said.

The Prosecutor General said the introduction of AI would not result in staff reductions.

He explained that the aim is to reduce the amount of time prosecutors spend on administrative tasks rather than reduce the workforce.

The PGO currently employs 106 prosecutors and operates around the clock.

Addressing concerns about data security, Abbas said the office would not rely on publicly available AI systems.

He stated that using commercial AI tools could expose sensitive information to third parties and that the PGO would instead develop and operate its own systems.

According to Abbas, the office already manages its information electronically and is supported by an information technology team responsible for maintaining security.

He said attempts to gain unauthorised access to the system occur regularly but that no data breaches have been recorded.

“Insha Allah, within two years, additional security measures and obstacles against hacking will be deployed. Security features will be further strengthened. Therefore, I would say a data leak is extremely unlikely. Insha Allah, we will not let that happen; that is our target,” he said.

Abbas said data protection would remain a key consideration throughout the transition and that new services would only be introduced after security requirements had been met.

The Prosecutor General also outlined several additional functions planned for the AI system.

These include conducting legal research, analysing case files, reviewing historical records and supporting guidance provided to police during criminal investigations.

According to Abbas, once implemented, the system will be capable of analysing information dating back to the establishment of the Prosecutor General's Office in 2008 within a short period of time.

He said this would help prosecutors prepare cases more efficiently and reduce delays in both investigations and court proceedings.

The office expects the project to be fully implemented within two years.