Application of specialised knowledge in the course of investigation of criminal offences committed in the field of consumer goods production

Abstract

The article examines the theoretical, regulatory, legal and scientific-methodological foundations of the special knowledge application in the course of criminal offences investigation. The author focuses on the scientific debate on the definition of special knowledge and its correlation with forensic knowledge. The views of scholars who have made attempts to formulate the concept of "special knowledge" have been analysed, and the shortcomings of the legal regulation of special knowledge in the legislative acts of Ukraine have been identified. It has been supported that the concept of “special knowledge” should be formulated by scientists, since legislative acts do not disclose its content.
 It has been determined that in the course of investigation of criminal offences, specialised knowledge is used during investigative (“detective”) actions and within the framework of the examination of the material evidence found. The article considers the areas of use, content and peculiarities of application of specialised knowledge in the course of investigation of criminal offences in the sphere of consumer goods production. It has been noted that the need for their use in conducting forensic examinations is due to the specifics of production technology and peculiarities of consumer goods accounting.
 Scientific and methodological recommendations on the preparation and conduct of forensic economic, forensic commodity, and forensic examination of materials, substances and products, including alcohol-containing mixtures and food products, have been developed and proposed. It has been concluded that in order to detect criminal offences in the field of consumer goods production and to collect evidence in criminal proceedings, not only legal knowledge is required, but also special knowledge in the field of finance, pricing, taxation, accounting and especially economic control.