First results of criminal investigation into MH17 crash to be presented after this summer

The Netherlands Public Prosecutor's Office announced Friday that an international joint investigation team (JIT) would present the first results of the criminal investigation into the crash of flight MH17 after this summer.

The investigation concerns the weapon which was used to shoot down the aircraft and the exact launch site of the weapon.

Earlier this year, the JIT announced that before the second half of this year they would be able to conclude this part of the investigation.

"This investigation is at a very advanced stage, but a few issues take more time than expected," said the Dutch Public Prosecution Service in its statement.

On July 17, 2014, Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 crashed in eastern Ukraine. The plane was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. On board were 283 passengers and 15 crew members. Among the passengers were 196 Dutch nationals.

The Dutch Safety Board carried out an investigation into the cause of the crash to draw safety lessons for future use. Meanwhile, the JIT-led criminal investigation is aimed at identifying the suspects.

In the JIT, the Netherlands Public Prosecutor's Office and the Dutch National Police work together with police and judicial authorities of Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, and Ukraine. The purpose of the criminal investigation is to establish the facts, identify those responsible for the crash, and to collect evidence which can be used in court. Endit