Forensic Classification of Subjects Counteracting Investigation of High-Tech Crimes

Abstract

The paper defines the concept of counteraction to the investigation of high-tech crimes employing the author’s definition of high-tech crimes. A forensic classification of the subjects of this counteraction is proposed, in which the procedural status of these subjects is used as a formal classification criterion. A hierarchical classification scheme is described, which includes groups and subgroups of counteraction subjects of varying degrees of similarity. The subjects of «internal» opposition include participants in criminal proceedings, divided into four main groups: on the part of the defense; by the prosecution; administering justice; other subjects. For the subjects of «external» opposition, the following groups are identified: law enforcement officers who are not subjects of criminal proceedings in a specific criminal case; persons associated with the accused (defendants); heads of government bodies; media workers. For each group of subjects, forensically significant features of counteraction to the investigation of high-tech crimes are analyzed, typical motives and methods of counteraction are given. It is noted that the proposed classification scheme can be used not only for high-tech crimes, but also for other types of criminal acts.