State Agency Technical Operations (SАТО) was established with the adoption of the law amending the Special Intelligence Means Act on August 9, 2013. The Agency is a specialized body with the Council of Ministers for procurement and application of special intelligence means. Its main activities are related to:
- procurement, development and application of special intelligence means;
- surveillance, penetration, photographing, video recording, sound recording, filming, marking of objects and preparing of psychological analyses in connection with data collection for the protection of the citizens` rights and freedoms, national security and public order;
- shadowing of individuals and facilities;
- control over data transmission and receipt of information via cable means of communication;
- conducting operational -technical checks of mail and other correspondence with the aim of protecting citizens` rights and freedoms, national security and public order and for control of other persons, who are conducting such checks;
- preparation of material evidence upon request according to procedure prescribed by law and making it available to the requesting body;
- use of specific methods and special intelligence means for the protection of the life, health and property of citizens;
- ensuring access to technical means and facilities of state bodies, organizations, legal entities and citizens;
- issuance of mandatory orders for provision of assistance on the part of state bodies, organizations, legal entities and citizens;
- receipt of information from other state bodies, organizations, legal entities and citizens;
- compiling and use of an information base;
- recruitment of citizens for voluntary cooperation;
- participation in joint activities with the competent state bodies for prevention, interception and detection of crimes;
- participation in the training of officers of intelligence and counter-intelligence services.