Regarding the issue of using digital information obtained during counterintelligence and investigative activities in criminal proceedings

Abstract

In this article, based on the analysis of scientific publications, the norms of the current legislation, the authors investigate the actual problems of using digital information obtained during counterintelligence and investigative activities in the criminal process. The norms of legislation in the field of ensuring state security and the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine regarding the possible use of digital information as evidence in court proceedings are analyzed. Scientific developments and international experience regarding the use of counterintelligence and investigative activity materials in digital form as evidence in criminal proceedings in the context of their admissibility are considered. The authors prove that the vast majority of digital information, which in the future may have evidentiary value, is obtained by conducting covert activities during the implementation of counterintelligence and investigative activities. Such digital information, according to the authors, can only serve as pretexts and grounds for starting a pre-trial investigation in criminal proceedings. The article notes that insufficient harmonization of criminal procedural legislation and legislation regulating counterintelligence and investigative activities negatively affects the effectiveness of operational units in performing their tasks. It is also noted that the further reform of the domestic law enforcement system should follow the example of leading Western countries and the USA, where the concept of “operational investigative activity” is absent at all. In most of the foreign democratic countries of the world, secret police investigation is a criminal procedural activity, which is overt and undercover procedural actions carried out under the direction of the prosecutor. The authors of the article conclude that in order to strengthen the counter-intelligence component in the activities of the Security Service of Ukraine and taking into account foreign experience in this area, it is necessary to create a separate, without reference to the requirements of the provisions of the Law of Ukraine “On Operational and Investigative Activities” and the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, a mechanism for organizing and carrying out activities related to the temporary restriction of human rights and freedoms.