Enforcement Agencies Research Articles

Navigating data governance risks: Facial recognition in law enforcement under EU legislation

Facial recognition technologies (FRTs) are used by law enforcement agencies (LEAs) for various purposes, including public security, as part of their legally mandated duty to serve the public interest. While these technologies can aid LEAs in fulfilling their public security responsibilities, they pose significant risks to data protection rights. This article identifies four specific risks associated with the use of FRT by LEAs for public security within the frameworks of the General Data Protection Regulation and Artificial Intelligence Act. These risks particularly concern compliance with fundamental data protection principles, namely data minimisation, purpose limitation, data and system accuracy, and administrative challenges. These challenges arise due to legal, technical, and practical factors in developing algorithms for law enforcement. Addressing these risks and exploring practical mitigations, such as broadening the scope of data protection impact assessments, may enhance transparency and ensure that FRT is used for public security in a manner that serves the public interest.

COUNTERING THE SPREAD OF EXTREMIST IDEOLOGY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE: PROBLEM STATEMENT

Currently, extremism is characterized by the presence of an appropriate ideology, which is very actively and rapidly improving in the context of modern international conflicts and domestic crises observed in the Russian state, which contributes to the entrenchment of illegal ideas and views in the minds of the population, especially among the younger generation, and increases the number of offenses and crimes of extremist orientation. The spread of extremist ideology poses a direct threat to the national interests of the Russian Federation, undermines the stability of the state, causes social conflicts and contributes to the radicalization of various groups of the population, which necessitates a competent and effective policy of countering the ideology of extremism. The article focuses on the activities of law enforcement agencies and civil society institutions to counter the spread of extremist ideology among young people, and provides examples of the interaction of these entities on the territory of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. It is concluded that only an integrated approach, including both measures to curb extremist activities and preventive measures aimed at creating conditions for the harmonious development of society, can effectively counter the threat of the spread of extremist ideology.

Digital Markets Dynamics and Ethical Considerations of Online Drug Sales via Cryptomarkets

The article is devoted to a topical topic – the analysis of a new way of selling drugs via the Internet and using cryptocurrency. In the article, the authors analyzed the Internet as a medium for drug trafficking; the composition of the criminal offense, which consists of the illegal sale of drugs; the social conditionality of criminalization of drug trafficking via the Internet; trends in the use of cryptocurrencies for drug trafficking; money laundering from drug trafficking through cryptocurrencies and measures to combat drug trafficking online and through cryptocurrency. It is emphasized that the appearance of this way of selling drugs is due to the development of technologies and their undoubted advantages, which criminals, from small fraudsters to criminal groups, adapt to carry out illegal activities. The number of people who buy illegal drugs on the dark web is gradually increasing; more and more buyers prefer to pay with cryptocurrency, and criminals are trying to legalize the proceeds of drug crime through the crypto market. All this indicates the increased social danger of such drug trade compared to other forms of their sale due to significant profits, the involvement of a large number of consumers, and direct and hidden effects on the growth of a country: public health issues, organized crimes, security concerns, etc. However, the fight against drug trafficking on the Internet and with the use of crypto-currency has not been properly regulated at the national and international levels. Considering this to fight against such actions effectively, the following is necessary today: an official definition of the status of cryptocurrency in legislation and the development of new methods, tactics, and technologies for the investigation of crimes. Drug business on the Internet and through cryptocurrencies, which will consider the latter's peculiarities and will be constantly updated in accordance with the pace of evolution of digital currencies; establishment of cooperation of cryptocurrency exchanges, financial institutions, regulators, law enforcement agencies, and technology providers.

Совершенствование методико-криминалистического обеспечения расследования преступлений против семьи и несовершеннолетних на основе методов прогнозирования

Introduction. The data of official statistics of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the last 5 years reveal the growth of criminal encroachments on the interests of the family and minors, whose protection is the duty of the state, fixed in the Fundamental Law of the Russian Federation. Despite the measures being undertaken, the effectiveness of some of them, including those to ensure inevitability of punishment for a committed act, raises questions and proves the urgency of improving the work of law enforcement agencies in the detection, investigation and prevention of crimes against the family and minors. Methods. The methodological basis of the research was formed by general scientific and private-scientific methods of cognition: dialectical, formal logic (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction), historical, systemic, comparative study, hermeneutic one and others. Results. On the basis of the analysis of scientific literature and questionnaire data of the preliminary investigation bodies’ staff, the author comes to the conclusion that the methodological recommendations on the investigation of certain types (groups) of crimes that are currently available in the investigative practice often contain gaps, and in some cases do not keep up with the transformation of criminal activity and, unfortunately, do not fulfil their function of providing practical units with the necessary methodological and forensic support. In order to solve the existing problems on counteraction to crimes against the family and minors, the author substantiates the necessity of using the methods of criminalistic forecasting in order to develop new techniques and improve the existing private methods of investigating crimes against the group under consideration.

Информационное обеспечение как обязательное условие повышения раскрываемости краж и угонов транспортных средств

Introduction. Criminal scientists have always realised the important role of the category “information” in science. Many researchers have noted that the quality of information and cognitive activity of law enforcement agencies depends on the completeness and reliability of evidence obtained in the course of investigation. However, up to now “information” and related concepts are underdeveloped in criminalistics. The solution to this problem is of particular relevance in the context of widespread informatisation and the gradual transition to a post-industrial society. The task that law enforcement agencies and the scientific community face today is to provide quality information support for the investigation of crimes, including vehicle thefts. Methods. The study used general scientific methods of cognition of social processes (analysis, synthesis, deduction, system-structural method, description) as well as private scientific methods – questionnaire survey, statistical methods. The official statistics of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia was used as an empirical base. Results. The research has demonstrated that the study of the category “information” and other related concepts makes it possible to consider the subject of the science of criminalistics from new sides. The conclusion makes a reasonable statement that information support is an effective tool in the fight against vehicle thefts.

Функціонування в Україні пенітенціарних таборів для військовополонених російської федерації

The article states that with the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation to Ukraine more than two and a half years have passed. During this time, law enforcement agencies initiated 127,814 criminal proceedings under various articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. It should be noted that many of them have already been examined by domestic courts and those guilty of criminal offenses have been held criminally liable. It has been proven that all of them are serving their sentences in a camp that functions as a correctional colony for prisoners of war sentenced to imprisonment for a certain period or to life imprisonment. Since the problem of the functioning of prison camps for prisoners of war in Ukraine has not been the subject of research yet, the article states that their creation in Ukraine is an unprecedented practice during the years of Ukraine's independence, which is connected with the events of the invasion of the Russian Federation to the territory of our country as a "special operation" on February 24, 2022. It is noteworthy that theMinistry of Justice of Ukraine ensures the functioning of prison camps for prisoners of war in Ukraine as the subject of the implementation of state policy in the field of punishment and probation. It has been proven that currently four camps for prisoners of war of the Russian Federation have been created in Ukraine. All of them comply not only with international humanitarian law, but also with Ukrainian legislation. Unfortunately, Article 13 of the Convention is simply ignored by Russian Federation, thereby demonstrating disrespect for the norms of international humanitarian law. Moreover, our soldiers are held captive not in separate camps for prisoners of war, but in ordinary penal colonies, subjecting them to physical mutilation, acts of violence and intimidation, although this Convention categorically prohibits the use of reprisals against prisoners of war. The author's definition of the Ukrainian camp for prisoners of war of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation was formulated. These are specially equipped places on the basis of correctional colonies of the State Criminal Enforcement Service of Ukraine for the forced detention of captured enemy servicemen with the aimof their final release and repatriation. A comparative analysis of the maintenance of prisoners of war in Ukraine and Russia was carried out. It is noted that if the personnel of the camp for prisoners of war establish that persons who took part in hostilities and were captured do not belong to prisoners of war, then such persons enjoy the protection of the Convention until their status is determined by a competent tribunal. Such persons, however, use benefits and protection. They include medical and spiritual personnel who provide assistance to prisoners of war. They are also provided with all opportunities to provide medical and spiritual assistance to prisoners of war. During the performance of their medical and spiritual duties, they also use certain privileges, in particular, they are allowed to periodically visit prisoners of war who are part of work teams or in hospitals outside the camp. It is worth paying attention to the fact that after the exchange of our soldiers and their return to the Motherland, it becomes clear how many of our prisoners of war in the Russian Federation different from the Russian occupiers in the POW camp in Ukraine. If the physical and moral condition of our soldiers is suppressed, they are tired and exhausted.

Participation in a Non-Profit Organization that Infringes on the Personality and Rights of Citizens (Part 3 of Article 239 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation): Criminal Law Characteristics

Introduction. An act in the form of participation in a non-profit organization that infringes on the personality and rights of citizens, enshrined in Part 3 of Article 239 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, causes a number of difficulties in understanding and qualification. Involved in most cases by deception in such associations, the participants themselves turn out to be victims, therefore, when qualifying the act under Part 3 of Article 239 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, it is important to assess the degree of independence and activity of each participant. Theoretical Basis. Methods. The dialectical method is used in the article as a general scientific method, which formed the basis for studying the phenomenon of religious associations that infringe on the personality and rights of citizens, and their activities in Russia. Specific scientific methods make it possible to reveal the meaning and content of legal relations associated with the creation and functioning of religious, public or other associations that infringe on the personality and rights of citizens. The historical method made it possible to study the experience of differentiating the responsibility of the creators and participants of pseudo-religious associations in pre-revolutionary Russia and in the Soviet Union. Results. Based on the understanding of the criminal law category “dependence” by A. A. Aryamov, we can come to the conclusion that the will of the participants in the organizations under study is significantly limited and is a reflection of the will of the leader. A participant in such an association, as a dependent person, manifests “other people’s” principles and attitudes in “his” socially dangerous act. Thus, the line between a participant in an association that encroaches on the personality and rights of citizens and a victim is very fluid. A feature of the behavior of such a person, characterized by the sign of limited (or reduced) sanity, is that he can become a subject in one act of criminal behavior, and a victim of another act of criminal behavior. Discussion and Сonclusion. Thus, it seems reasonable that some scholars propose to return the sign of “active participation” that was present in the dispositions of Article 227 of the Criminal Code of the RSFSR and 143.1 of the Criminal Code of the RSFSR. In order to distinguish the subject of the crime from the victim, it also seems relevant to supplement the disposition of Article 239 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation with an “incentive” note (by analogy with Articles 126, 127.1, 210, 282.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, etc.) with the following content: “A person who left an association and reported to law enforcement agencies about its activities is exempt from criminal liability, unless his actions contain another corpus delicti.”

Incorrect interpretation of the law by the court

The subject of this study is the main trends that have developed in judicial practice related to the assessment of the correctness of the interpretation of the norms of law by the court. The purpose of the study was to identify the main approaches used by law enforcement agencies, primarily courts, in assessing the possible existence of an error in the interpretation of the applied law by a lower court.General scientific and special methods of scientific cognition were used in the research. Among them are analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction, the systematic method, the hermeneutical method and the legal-dogmatic approach. In particular, published court decisions were analyzed, scientific literature and current legislation were studied, after which conclusions were drawn about the state of law enforcement practice and the prevailing trends when considering by higher courts the issue of a possible error in the interpretation of the law committed by a lower court.The main content of the article is the results of the analysis of judicial practice, the purpose of which was to identify the main trends in judicial practice related to the assessment of the correctness of the interpretation of the norms of law by the court. The practice of applying the provisions of the procedural codes of the Russian Federation, providing for the consequences of a misinterpretation of the provisions of normative acts by the court, is considered. As a result of the conducted research, the main problems that courts face when assessing the correctness of the interpretation given by their colleagues from the lower court were identified. During the analysis, special attention was paid to such aspects as the causes of erroneous interpretation, ways to detect and eliminate the identified error, and the consequences of making an error.Based on the results obtained, conclusions were formulated, among which it is worth noting that judicial errors in the interpretation of normative acts are quite common. At the same time, procedural legislation regulates such situations in different ways in different types of legal proceedings. Having discovered a judicial error in interpretation, the higher court most often does not indicate specific norms that have been misinterpreted, but offers its own solution to the dispute. The errors of the courts in the qualification of those mistakes made by the lower courts were also noted.

Боротьба з корупцією в українському публічному секторі: оцінка ефективності антикорупційних стратегій та шляхи подальшого вдосконалення

The article is devoted to the analysis of the effectiveness of anti-corruption strategies in the Ukrainian public sector and the determination of ways of their further improvement. The main problems that hinder the successful fight against corruption in the state structures of Ukraine are investigated, and the existing strategies and their results are analysed. Based on the collected information, specific recommendations are offered to improve the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures in the public sector. One of the main factors complicating the fight against corruption in Ukraine is the insufficient effectiveness of the legal system, the weakness of law enforcement agencies, and the lack of a clear political will to carry out reforms. Insufficient coordination between various authorities and insufficient control over their activities is often observed, which makes it difficult to detect and punish corruption offences. In the context of anti-corruption strategies in Ukraine, several legislative acts were adopted and specialized agencies, such as the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, were established. However, some of these measures have not produced the expected results due to insufficient financial support, political pressure or ineffective management. To further improve anti-corruption strategies, it is important to pay attention to several aspects. First, it is necessary to ensure greater transparency and openness in the activities of state bodies, in particular, by implementing a system of electronic document circulation and public reporting. Secondly, it is important to strengthen the mechanisms of control over the activities of public officials and ensure their independence frompolitical influence. Thirdly, it is necessary to reformthe judicial systemto ensure objective examination of corruption cases and imposition of appropriate punishments.

"This Time It Was Different:" Creating a Multidisciplinary, Trauma-Informed, Victim-Centered Approach to Sexual Assault Cold Case Investigations and Prosecutions.

Police and prosecutors recommend that sexual assault survivors have a medical forensic exam and the collection of a sexual assault kit (SAK; also known as a "rape kit") to preserve biological evidence (e.g., semen, blood, saliva, hair) if they want to pursue criminal prosecution. However, law enforcement personnel do not routinely submit SAKs to crime laboratories for forensic DNA testing. Instead, they often place untested kits in storage and close many of these reported cases after minimal investigation. Current estimates indicate there are 300,000 to 400,000 untested SAKs in law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. In response to this national problem, the U.S. Department of Justice created the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Project to support kit testing, re-investigation, and prosecution of these "cold case" sexual assaults. The SAKI program also provides training and technical assistance to police, prosecutors, and victim advocates on how to use a multidisciplinary, trauma-informed, and victim-centered approach in cold case prosecutions. This study examined the extent to which one SAKI-funded site implemented these three guiding principles in their interactions with victims while prosecuting cold case sexual assaults. We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with N = 32 sexual assault survivors from the first cohort of cold cases that were re-opened and prosecuted in this jurisdiction. Nearly all cases (n = 31) ended in a guilty plea or trial conviction, and the vast majority of survivors indicated that they had positive experiences with the SAKI team. Survivors noted that they were listened to, believed, supported, and well-prepared by a multidisciplinary team of practitioners who were personally invested in their cases and in their well-being. Implications for creating multidisciplinary, trauma-informed, and victim-centered approaches with other communities are discussed.

Правова заборона як метод обмеження політичної влади

The issue of legal prohibitions in national and European law has a pronounced interdisciplinary content. The modern Ukrainian environment, through which the legal values of European (Euro-Atlantic) and universal civilizations – principles, norms, institutions, sources of law, legal procedures, etc. – are “refracted” (“passed through”), is quite heterogeneous and contradictory, and this cannot but affect the peculiarities of Ukrainian law. These problems include, in particular, the absence, unlike in many European countries, of an explicit enshrinement of the principle of proportionality in the Constitution of Ukraine. This refers to the balance, proportionality of public interests and the interests of an individual in case of need to restrict his or her rights; excessive restrictions on human rights; distortion of the essence of the restricted rights; failure to comply with ECHR judgments at the “home level”; examples of risks when both the purpose and the means are inadequate to the specific situation requiring such a restriction, i.e., in an acceptable ratio to the weight and importance of the fundamental right. The author suggests the following areas of legal measures’ effectiveness: bringing regulations in line with international standards; further improvement of legislation; bringing restrictions of different levels (interstate, national, municipal) into the system; social justification and scientific validity of their establishment and use; increasing the legality and effectiveness of restrictions in the exercise of law; creation of real guarantees of lawful implementation of restrictive measures; legal education and legal education for all segments of the population. The prospects opened up for Ukraine in connection with its EU candidate status require not only further adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to the EU legal framework, continuation of reforms of the judicial system, law enforcement agencies, etc., but also a significant change in legal awareness, legal mentality and legal thinking of both ordinary Ukrainian citizens and, above all, public officials, judges, law enforcement officers, etc.Without such a change, these prospects may not be realized. It is stated that Ukraine’s heroic struggle against the Russian military invasion for freedom and independence significantly accelerated the formation of a full-fledged modern political Ukrainian nation. The war proved that an excessive focus on regional differences based on the principle of “what difference does it make” whether certain regions profess Soviet, national Ukrainian, or European values is futile. Of course, we are not talking about forming the same views on historical events or contemporary problems for all people, let alone the same type of thinking, which is what all totalitarian regimes have sought. The point is that, despite all the regional differences that are inherent in almost all states, the basic, fundamental values that define national identity should be common to all regions of the state. Modern history knows of no examples of democratic and legal states being built along different civilizational vectors. This is typical only for empire states, whose fate ultimately ends in the same way – in catastrophe.

Ювенальна превенція в Україні: функціональні особливості в період воєнного стану

It was found that Ukraine has ratified and implements the norms of international legislation related to the protection of children’s rights, in particular, by means of criminal law. The activity of juvenile prevention bodies in Ukraine is extremely important in the conditions of martial law for the implementation of the principles of international humanitarian law regarding the safety of childhood and national norms for the protection of the fundamental rights of the child. Juvenile prevention bodies concentrate their activities on the prevention of offenses committed by children, on the detection, termination and disclosure of criminal offenses committed by children on the basis of measures provided for by current legislation. It was emphasized that it is important to identify the reasons and conditions that contribute to the commission of offenses by minors and, within the limits of their competence, to stop and eliminate illegal acts. Very often, the main work is carried out on the basis of the fact that minors have committed an offense. For a person who is just forming his life values and determining the directions of self-realization, it is important to focus on legitimate self-determination. In this process, preventive activities and cooperation of educational institutions, families and representatives of law enforcement agencies, juvenile police are important. It is noted that today in Ukraine, an important area of activity of juvenile police representatives is work with children who are internally displaced persons. Such minors may more often become involved in illegal activities due to the fact that they are in a state of stress associated with a change in their usual living conditions. Offenders can take advantage of the child’s condition and involve himin illegal activities both directly and through social networks. Attention is focused on the fact that wartime realities prove the importance of enhanced protection of childhood and motherhood in Ukraine, as well as the need for competent authorities to actively work with minors to preserve their lives and health, because today law enforcement agencies are faced with new problems related to the violation children’s rights, which are caused by active hostilities, illegal removal of children to the territory of Russia, loss of relatives and housing by minors, their involvement in illegal activities, in particular, in the temporarily occupied territories.

Identifying Patients at Risk of Not Receiving Timely Community Mental Health Follow-Up After Psychiatric Hospitalisation Using Linked Routinely Collected Data.

Timely receipt of community-based follow-up after inpatient psychiatric discharge is associated with positive outcomes. This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to identify socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with failure to receive community mental health follow-up within 7 days. Routinely collected hospital and community mental health data were linked for all inpatients discharged with a mental health condition in 2017 to 2019 in a local health district in New South Wales, Australia. Of the 8780 patients discharged, 28% (n = 2466) did not have 7-day follow-up. Males were significantly more likely than females to fail follow-up. Adjusted logistic regression analyses revealed that both male and female patients aged 65 years and older were generally less likely to fail follow-up than those who were younger; conversely, patients referred to a hospital by a law enforcement agency and those who left the hospital at their own risk were more likely to fail follow-up. Other factors significantly related to failure to follow-up varied between the sexes. Improved outcomes may be achieved by enhancing the transition from inpatient to outpatient care through targeted strategies aimed at patients who are more likely to disengage with care.

Privacy Protection Guarantee For Data Hacking Victims According To Indonesian Law

Personal data leaks have become one of the major issues in cybercrime. The government has attempted to overcome this issue by implementing Law on Personal Data Protection (UU PDP) and establishing law enforcement agencies for Personal Data Protection. Despite the existence of laws that regulate and agencies responsible for this issue, personal data leaks still occur frequently. One of the cases was the leak of customer data from Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI). This study analyzes the assurance of privacy rights concerning data managed by Big Data Controllers under the Personal Data Protection Law and identifies legal actions that victims of data hacking due to the data controller’s negligence regarding the Big Data security systems. This research uses normative juridical methods with a descriptive-analytical approach. The results of the research show that Indonesia has regulations to protect the privacy rights of its citizens, specifically in the Personal Data Protection Law which regulates actions and restoration of the right to privacy if data leaks occur by the limitations of this article.

“(…) here I have freedom”—A study of refugees' and asylum seekers' legal consciousness in Greece: Self‐identity, human rights, and expectations from European Union law

AbstractThis paper adds to the existing knowledge on migration and the law by empirically exploring the legal consciousness of 33 refugees and asylum seekers in Greece, more specifically, by discussing how their experiences, self‐identity and expectations of the law inform their reactions to the restrictions imposed upon them. The findings suggest that (1) legal knowledge is acquired in the countries of origin and from contact with smugglers, other migrants, law enforcement agents and staff from NGOs; (2) this knowledge allows them to forge an identity as “rights‐bearers,” which (3) together with perceptions and expectations of human rights law and European Union policies on migration, (4) empower them to claim protection from the Greek state, and (5) legitimizes their actions, even if these sometimes involve subterfuge. Despite their particularly vulnerable positions, refugees and asylum seekers are, therefore, not mere passive receivers of state power, but also try to use the law to overcome adversity, in an almost game‐like fashion.

Increasing intergovernmental coordination to fight crime: evidence from Mexico

Abstract Latin America is the most violent region in the world, with many countries also suffering from high levels of criminality and the presence of powerful criminal organizations. Identifying government responses that improve citizen security is imperative. Existing research argues that improving intergovernmental coordination helps the state combat criminality, but has limited its analysis to political factors that affect coordination. I study the impact of increasing intergovernmental coordination between law enforcement agencies. Using the generalized synthetic control method, original data on the staggered implementation of a police reform that increased intergovernmental police coordination and detailed data on criminal organizations and criminality in Guanajuato, Mexico, I find that the reform weakened criminal organizations and reduced violent crime, but increased violence.

The Rise of Cybercrime-as-a-service: Implications and Countermeasures

The rise of Cybercrime-as-a-Service (CaaS) represents a new frontier in the evolution of cybercrime, where sophisticated tools and malicious services are made readily available to a broad range of users through online marketplaces, often on the dark web. CaaS has democratized cybercrime, enabling even low-skilled attackers to launch powerful cyberattacks such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), phishing campaigns, and ransomware attacks with ease. This paper explores the operational structure of CaaS, including the use of cryptocurrencies for transactions and the global reach of these illicit platforms. The implications of this shift extend beyond economic losses, threatening national security, corporate stability, and personal privacy. While governments and law enforcement agencies are struggling to keep pace with the rapid evolution of these services, the paper examines legal and regulatory challenges in combating CaaS, as well as the role of international cooperation. Furthermore, it discusses technological countermeasures, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, as potential solutions to mitigate the threat. Ethical considerations surrounding the surveillance and control of online spaces are also addressed. The paper concludes by highlighting future trends in CaaS and stressing the need for a balanced approach between innovation and security to effectively counter this growing threat.

A Comparative Analysis of Traditional Latent Fingerprint Visualization Methods and Innovative Silica Gel G Powder Approach

Latent fingerprints are a common source of information for forensic experts and law enforcement agencies. The thin layer chromatography (TLC) plates that are prepared in this work are made with silica gel G powder. Latent fingerprint remnants are made up of secretions from the nose, palm, and sebaceous, apocrine, and eccrine glands (sweat). However, the quest for more versatile and effective techniques persisted, leading to the emergence of innovative approaches like Silica Gel G powder. The silicon atoms are linked to –OH groups at the silica gel’s surface. A latent fingerprint is an imprint left by direct contact with a surface or object that is not apparent to the unaided eye. The advantages of using Silica Gel G powder for latent fingerprint visualization underscore its significance as an innovative technique in forensic science. The latent fingerprints were developed on each of the several substrates using Merck Specialties Private Limited’s white-coloured silica gel G powder. There are several techniques in the literature for creating latent fingerprints. The emergence of Silica Gel G powder in forensic science represents a significant breakthrough in the visualization of latent fingerprints. The process of using Silica Gel G powder for latent fingerprint visualization exemplifies the precision and attention to detail required in forensic investigations.

The AI-shift: how Europol is leveraging artificial intelligence to combat serious organised crime and terrorism

Aim: The aim of this article is to highlight the importance of leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) in law enforcement to combat serious organised crime and terrorism, while ensuring responsible and accountable use of AI tools through collaboration and knowledge-sharing among European law enforcement agencies. Methodology: The study uses a descriptive methodology to describe the development and cooperation process through which the Innovation Lab contributes to the innovation development and knowledge sharing of Europol and its member countries. Findings: With the increasing volume and speed of investigative data, AI has emerged as a promising solution to help law enforcement agencies process and analyse large and complex datasets. Europol has been at the forefront of developing and sharing AI tools with its Member States, ensuring their responsible and accountable use. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in law enforcement investigations has been found to significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of crime fighting, particularly in processing and analysing large and complex datasets. Value: The article highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among law enforcement agencies to keep pace with AI advancements and prevent criminal abuse of these technologies.

Az Europol-együttműködés tapasztalatai

Aim: The aim of the article is to present the practical experience of cooperation between Europol, which plays a key role in international criminal cooperation, and Hungary. Methodology: The author collected knowledge about the operation of Europol and its investigative support services by studying the available EU legislation, and by working as the Head of the Hungarian Liaison Bureau at Europol, as well as by carrying out the tasks of the former expert in the cyber-attacks priority and the deputy national EMPACT coordinator. Findings: Europol’s system of cooperation with the Member States and operational and strategic partners provides the law enforcement agencies of the countries concerned with an opportunity that no other agency, institution or organisation can offer. In addition to supporting specific investigations, the institutional system also provides countries with IT, strategic and financial support. Value: The article aims to provide a practical and comprehensive overview of the state of cooperation with Europol, to give a deeper insight into the day-to-day work of the law enforcement and judicial authorities and to provide the interested reader with contextualized insights into the steps and processes involved.