Which is the first valid step in the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties international cooperation process?

The investigator may remove the evidence collected without asking permission to do so.

The central authority of the requesting country sends a letter of request to the central authority of the other country.

An investigator from the requesting country visits the country where the information is sought and takes statements from the identified witnesses or suspects.

The central authority that receives the request sends it to a local judicial officer to find out if the information is available.