Use of Digital Evidence Obtained during Operational and Search Activities
Abstract
Abstract. The article examines the issue of using digital evidence in criminal proceedings and operational-search activities. The relevance of digitalization for the development of the state, as well as its impact on the combating crime sphere, is determined. Particular attention is paid to the issue of authenticity, chain of custody and admissibility of digital evidence in judicial practice. National and international approaches are analyzed, and recommendations are proposed for improving legislation and practical use of digital evidence in Ukraine. The research is devoted to improving legislation and developing recommendations for practical units on the detection and use of digital evidence obtained during operational-search activities. The range of sources of obtaining digital evidence is determined from open sources (OSINT, Berkeley Protocol) to special technical measures during covert investigative (search) actions and operational-search activities. The main problems in the detection, fixation and use of digital evidence obtained during operational-search activities are identified. A number of amendments to the current legislation are proposed that may contribute to improving the results of using relevant materials in criminal proceedings. It is emphasized that the effective use of digital evidence in the activities of operational units increases the effectiveness of documenting crimes, contributes to strengthening the evidentiary base in criminal proceedings and developing the principle of the inevitability of punishment. It is noted that digital evidence is becoming an integral part of the modern criminal process and operational and investigative activities. The introduction of international standards, regulatory consolidation of the procedure for collecting, verifying and evaluating digital evidence will ensure increased efficiency of investigations, transparency of judicial proceedings and public trust in the justice system.
Keywords: evidence; criminal proceedings; operational and investigative activities; legal regulation; improvement; digitalization.
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References
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