Nº 5 (2025)
Articles
Current issues of distinguishing the elements of the crime provided for in Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation from related offenses
Resumo
In the modern system of criminal law, the legalization (laundering) of "dirty" money is one of the most rapidly developing spheres of organized crime, which significantly complicates the work of law enforcement agencies. Articles 174 and 174.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation are intended to suppress activities related to giving a legal status to property acquired through criminal means; however, in practice, there are many difficulties in distinguishing these offenses from the crimes defined in Article 175 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The subject of the research is the criminal law norms that regulate liability for the legalization (laundering) of income obtained by criminal means, as well as closely related offenses. The signs of the offenses, their legal constructions, and the issues of their differentiation in law enforcement practice are analyzed. The purpose of the research is to analyze the main difficulties in the qualification and application of Articles 174, 174.1, and 175 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, with the aim of developing recommendations for improving criminal legislation and practical aspects of its implementation. The methodological basis consists of general scientific and specific scientific methods of knowledge: formal-legal, comparative-legal, and systemic-structural analysis. The study is based on an analysis of criminal law norms, materials from judicial practice, and scientific works by leading specialists in the field of criminal law. This allowed for the identification of the main difficulties in establishing the subjective side of the crimes, the concept of "property obtained by criminal means," as well as the differentiation of the roles of organizers, intermediaries, and executors of legalization. The work demonstrates that the inability to clearly define the object and purpose of the actions of the participants in the crimes reduces the effectiveness of the fight against money laundering, which is confirmed by statistics and judicial practice. Specific measures are proposed to clarify legislative norms, strengthen the evidentiary base, as well as to develop inter-agency cooperation and enhance the qualifications of personnel. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the development of a systemic approach to overcoming gaps in legislation, which will enhance the effectiveness of criminal prosecution for the legalization of criminal income and ensure the stability of the financial system. The results of the work have practical significance for legislators, law enforcement agencies, and the scientific community engaged in issues of combating economic crime.
Police activities. 2025;(5):1-10
1-10
Key aspects of prosecutor's oversight of the enforcement of laws by inquiry and preliminary investigation authorities during the investigation of crimes committed using digital telecommunications technologies
Resumo
The subject of the study is the key aspects of prosecutorial oversight of law enforcement agencies and preliminary investigations in the context of crimes committed using information and telecommunications technologies. The object of the study is the activities of prosecution authorities in the framework of oversight of compliance with laws by preliminary investigation agencies in the conditions of digitalization and the emergence of high-tech crimes. The author examines the current state of crime, characterized by an increase in the number of crimes committed using digital technologies and a low detection rate of such criminal acts. The specificity of prosecutorial oversight in the context of digitalization is analyzed in detail. Special attention is given to the significance of interaction between preliminary investigative bodies and operational units, as well as the effective application of the results of their activities. The author also emphasizes international cooperation in combating transnational crimes. The methodology of this scientific research is based on a comprehensive approach that combines theoretical analysis and practical understanding of the issues related to prosecutorial oversight in the context of digitalization. A systemic analysis method is employed to study the interrelationships between various components of prosecutorial activities in this area and the activities of preliminary investigation agencies. Empirical data is supported by references to scientific works. The main conclusions of the conducted research are that modern digitalization of society has significantly complicated the tasks of prosecutorial oversight, especially in the context of monitoring the investigation of crimes committed using information and telecommunications technologies. The author highlights that traditional approaches to prosecutorial oversight require substantial adaptation, as modern crimes are characterized by a high level of technological sophistication, anonymity, and transnationality, which poses new challenges for prosecutorial bodies. The research reveals the need to enhance the competencies of prosecutors, including knowledge in the fields of forensic science, operational-search activities in the digital environment, and computer science. The novelty of the research lies in the results obtained from the systemic analysis of key aspects of prosecutorial oversight in the context of digitalization. The author concludes that the effectiveness of modern prosecutorial oversight of law enforcement agencies and preliminary investigations in cases of crimes committed using information and telecommunications technologies can be improved through its comprehensive nature, focusing on the identified key aspects in its organization and implementation.
Police activities. 2025;(5):11-24
11-24
Investigative situations of the on-site verification of road traffic offenses
Resumo
The article is dedicated to the analysis of investigative situations that can be resolved through the conduct of on-site verification of investigation of traffic-related crimes. The subject of the study in this article is the patterns of using information about investigative situations by law enforcement to make an informed decision about conducting on-site verification of testimonies in the investigation of traffic-related crimes. The main focus is on analyzing the author’s definitions of "investigative situation." The author proposes investigative situations that can be resolved through the conduct of on-site verification of testimonies in the investigation of traffic-related crimes. The work defines circumstances indicating that the investigative situation is favorable for conducting on-site verification of testimonies in the investigation of traffic-related crimes. For each investigative situation that can be resolved through on-site verification of testimonies in the investigation of traffic-related crimes, recommendations are provided to law enforcement for preparation for this investigative action. The methodological basis of the research consists of: the method of critical analysis and the method of observation. The use of these methods allowed for a comprehensive examination of the issues and the formation of substantiated conclusions. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that the author, for the first time in the specialized literature, examines investigative situations that can be resolved through conducting on-site verification of testimonies in the investigation of traffic-related crimes. The author summarized new material on the researched topic: data from official statistics on road accident rates for eight months of 2025 and data from official statistics on crime rates for 2023, 2024, and the first eight months of 2025, examples from judicial practice for February and March 2025, as well as the author’s experience in investigating traffic-related crimes. The main conclusions of the scientific research are: firstly, the analysis of the author’s definitions of "investigative situation"; secondly, the development of recommendations for law enforcement regarding preparation for conducting on-site verification of testimonies in the investigation of traffic-related crimes for each investigative situation that can be resolved through this investigative action.
Police activities. 2025;(5):25-50
25-50
The content of the concepts of “battery” and “other violent actions” in the context of Articles 116 and 116.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation
Resumo
The subject of this research is the criminal law content of the concepts of "battery" and "other violent acts" in the context of Articles 116 and 116.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, as well as issues related to their distinction in theory and judicial practice. The aim of this study is to identify and systematize the contradictions that exist in the law enforcement and scientific interpretation of these categories, as well as to formulate proposals for clarifying legislative structures to ensure uniformity of law enforcement and strengthen the principle of legal certainty. Additionally, the objective is to formulate a unified, scientifically based position on the classification of violent acts that do not entail the consequences stipulated by Article 115 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, develop a system of criteria for distinguishing between the concepts of "battery" and "other violent acts," create methodological recommendations for law enforcement, and improve the regulatory framework for the protection of the physical integrity of the individual. The formal legal method, as well as methods of analysis, synthesis, induction, and deduction, were used in preparing this study. The scientific novelty lies in the author's formulation of a position on the admissibility of recognizing a single act of physical force causing physical pain as battery, as well as in the proposal for a clarified version of the provisions of Articles 116 and 116.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The work develops doctrinal approaches to the concept of battery, expanding the scope of criminal law protection of the physical integrity of the individual. It is established that there is a lack of a unified understanding of the objective aspects of these offenses, and the decisive element is the infliction of physical pain on the victim, regardless of the number of blows inflicted. It is concluded that battery can also be a single offense if physical pain is inflicted without evidence of harm to health. It is proposed to replace the term "violent acts" with "other forms of physical force," which will ensure precise terminology and uniformity in law enforcement.
Police activities. 2025;(5):51-62
51-62
On the prospects of using robots in police activities
Resumo
The relevance of the study is due to the fact that modern innovative technologies are increasingly influencing the state of public safety, while the introduction of robots is classified as one of the nine priority areas for the development of science and technology in the Russian Federation. Modern public security cannot be built without taking into account the use of modern innovative technologies, which means that it involves the adoption of appropriate technical devices by the police. The article discusses the most promising areas of use of robotic systems in police activities. A comprehensive analysis of the technological capabilities of robotic complexes is carried out, and a general classification is given according to the principle of their use in police activities. The object of the study is the legal relations that arise in the process of using robotic complexes in police activities. The subject of the research is the legal, technological and tactical possibilities of using robots, as well as the legal norms governing the use of robotic complexes in police activities. The methodological basis of the article is made up of both general scientific and private scientific methods of cognition, as well as logical, formal-legal, comparative-legal research methods, historical analysis of regulatory legal acts regulating the use of robots in police activities. The author examines not only the technological aspects of their use, but also reveals the problems of the legal nature of the robots' use, as well as suggests ways to solve them. This article provides an overview of materials reflecting the latest trends in the robots' use in police activities in other countries, and provides a comparative analysis of the legal, practical, and technological nature of their use of robots in foreign countries and in Russia. A generalized definition of robotic complexes is given. The main conclusions of the study are the tasks, the solution of which will allow the use of robotic complexes in the activities of the national police. As well as the understanding that the use of robotic technologies and complexes in police activities is an urgent and promising research topic that has many aspects and questions. Robotic complexes will bring significant benefits in law enforcement, help relieve police units of routine tasks, increase operational efficiency through the use of innovative solutions and technologies, and increase security for police officers when detaining offenders.
Police activities. 2025;(5):63-78
63-78
Criminal law and criminological aspects of countering the "drops"
Resumo
The subject of this study is the criminal law and criminological characteristics of the activity of so-called "drops" – intermediaries in fraudulent schemes who facilitate the movement and legalization of illegally obtained funds. The object of analysis is the social relations related to holding accountable those who are indirectly involved in committing fraud but play a key role in the realization of criminal proceeds. The author examines in detail aspects of the problem such as the evolution of methods for cashing out funds (from traditional ATM banking to the use of cryptocurrencies), gaps in the qualification of the actions of intermediaries, and the imbalance of sanctions in the current legislation. Special attention is given to a comparative legal analysis of approaches to the criminalization of drop activity in foreign jurisdictions (USA, PRC), as well as an assessment of the effectiveness of the recent amendments to Article 187 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The study utilizes comparative legal and formal-legal methods. A comparative approach is employed to explore legal regulation in the Russian Federation, USA, and PRC. The main conclusions of the conducted study include: identification of systemic gaps in the qualification of drop activities, an imbalance of sanctions between organizers and intermediaries, as well as insufficient adaptation of criminal legislation to the use of cryptocurrencies in fraudulent schemes. The novelty of the research lies in a comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon of "dropping" not only as a criminal law issue but also as a socio-economic phenomenon that has undergone historical evolution from ATM fraud to cryptocurrency operations. The author’s significant contribution consists of developing a concept for differentiating liability, as well as proposing mechanisms for implementing foreign experience while considering the features of the continental legal system. The necessity of adopting clarifications from the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation for the unification of judicial practice and adjustment of sanctions for mediation in fraud has been demonstrated to ensure compliance with the principle of proportionality of punishment.
Police activities. 2025;(5):79-99
79-99
Forgery in Russian criminal law
Resumo
This article presents a study of the criminal law characteristics of the counterfeit items. The relevance of this research topic lies in the fact that the use of counterfeit items leads to the illegal extraction of material gain to the detriment of the well-being of others or society as a whole, to a more effective pursuit of criminal goals, to a more skillful concealment of crimes, and to other negative consequences. A comprehensive study of counterfeit items, which are criminally prohibited, will help define the concept and characteristics of counterfeit items, establish their distinguishing criteria from other phenomena, and compile a classification of counterfeit items. This, in turn, can be used in future research to develop directions for improving criminal law and to optimize the means and methods of investigating crimes committed with counterfeit items. The following methods were used as the methodological basis for this study: analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction, generalization, and the formal legal method. The author of the article concludes that only tangible (physical) objects, that is, objects, can possess the characteristic of counterfeiting. Counterfeit items are illegally manufactured items that are substantially similar to the original (genuine) items in terms of standardized elements and parameters, as well as visible security features. Eleven articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation are devoted to illegal actions involving the use of counterfeit items (Articles 142, 171.1, 181, 186, 187, 233, 303, 326, 327, 327.1, 327.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). The author of the study developed a classification of counterfeit items prohibited by criminal law, which is as follows: 1) counterfeit means of implementing law; 2) counterfeit means of payment; 3) counterfeit means of procedural activity; 4) counterfeit means of legitimacy; 5) means of prestige.
Police activities. 2025;(5):100-112
100-112
Methodology of Modern Criminalistics: Current Issues in Intention for Interdisciplinary Integration
Resumo
The problems of the methodology of criminalistic science in the context of digitalization, technological progress and the increasing complexity of the nature of criminal activity are investigated. Attention is paid to the classification and role of philosophical, general scientific and special methods in the detection and investigation of crimes. The importance of applying an interdisciplinary approach based on the integration of achievements of philosophy, computer science, biology, sociology, and other sciences is emphasized. The necessity of introducing artificial intelligence, automated analysis systems and digital forensic tools according to the needs of modern investigative practice is substantiated. The development of forensic methods must keep pace with new challenges and threats, including cybercrime and fraud, in order to increase the effectiveness of law enforcement and ensure legal protection of individuals. For this purpose, a comparative analysis of official statistical data on the state of crime in the Russian Federation is given, as well as international experience in using measures for its criminalistic prevention and the importance of adapting law enforcement mechanisms. Special attention is paid to the classification and role of philosophical, general scientific and special methods in the detection and investigation of crimes. The research methodology represents a multilevel complex of interrelated methods combined by systemic and interdisciplinary approaches. Their application is aimed at consistently achieving the goal of the work. Within the framework of the comparative legal method, a comparison of the legal and organizational mechanisms of technology implementation in law enforcement in different jurisdictions has been carried out. An analysis of the state of crime and the dynamics of its development in Russia over the past two decades shows that, despite some positive trends associated with a decrease in the total number of reported crimes, the situation remains unstable during certain periods and requires constant monitoring and adaptation of law enforcement mechanisms. The novelty is manifested in the need to develop special forensic methods, proving their key role in practice. Modern methods of forensic science must meet the requirements of the time – be flexible, adaptable to new conditions, take into account the high technology of criminal activity, use the achievements of scientific and technological progress and ensure reliable legal protection of the individual. The application of an interdisciplinary approach involving the synthesis of knowledge from various fields of science is becoming relevant. In order to introduce AI technologies into criminalistic activities, it is necessary to carry out regular measures to improve the tools of forensic technology.
Police activities. 2025;(5):113-130
113-130
Problems of using information technologies for identifying and solving crimes
Resumo
The relevance of the topic is due to the need to identify the directions of technological development of law enforcement agencies for an effective fight against crime. The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of information technologies on the effectiveness of crime detection. Within the framework of a systematic approach, a complex of general scientific and special research methods was used: analysis of legal acts, comparative analysis of the concepts of "information support" and "information technologies", as well as systematization of methods for identifying crimes; statistical methods. The purpose of the study is to identify the features and effectiveness of the use of information technologies by law enforcement agencies in the course of crime solving. The subject of the study is the theoretical, practical, and procedural features of the introduction of information technologies in investigative actions and for information support of law enforcement activities. The novelty includes the systematization of methods for using Internet resources and directions for developing the skills of police officers in using them. The conclusion is that the process of crime detection depends on the development of information technology skills in the law enforcement system. The results of the study reveal the active use of special databases during the investigation of particularly difficult crimes, the need to use social networks, particularly the Telegram network, to search for information and obtain guidance, the use of data analysis methods to analyze internet connections between subscribers, and the creation of closed databases and reference and information systems (RIS) for law enforcement officers. The study also identifies the problem of a lack of competencies among law enforcement officers and suggests ways to address it.
Police activities. 2025;(5):131-144
131-144
On the issue of holding championships in service and applied sports among educational organizations of federal executive authorities
Resumo
Sport is an important component of modern society, and its significance is hard to overestimate. In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in physical culture and sports in various fields, including educational organizations. In a dynamically changing world where health and physical fitness are becoming important factors for successful professional activity, organizing sports events, such as championships among educational organizations of federal executive authorities, becomes especially relevant. Undoubtedly, the organization and conduct of championships among educational organizations of federal executive authorities in service-applied sports is a complex and multifaceted process that requires careful preparation and coordination of various aspects. The subject of the research is the process of organizing and conducting championships in service-applied sports. The object of the research is the educational organizations that are part of the federal executive authority system. During the conducted research, the authors employed methods of observation, surveys, analysis of scientific and educational literature, as well as methods of induction, deduction, and generalization of the obtained material. The novelty of the scientific research is determined by the fact that conducting championships among educational organizations of federal executive authorities in service-applied sports is a relevant and necessary initiative. Holding competitions of such scale will not only contribute to improving the physical training of future officers but will also enhance the level of interaction between various systems and create conditions for the exchange of experience. It is important for this initiative to receive support from all interested parties and to be implemented at a high level, which will allow for the most effective use of the potential of service-applied sports to achieve the goals set before the educational organizations of federal executive authorities. Additionally, the organization of championships should aim not only at identifying the strongest but also at creating conditions for the active participation of all willing teams from other federal executive authorities, which, in turn, will contribute to the popularization of physical culture and sport in the country.
Police activities. 2025;(5):145-157
145-157
Training of cadets in educational institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the first shot as the basis for successful mastering of pistol shooting techniques
Resumo
Training cadets of departmental higher educational institutions is an important and responsible process that requires special attention to the methods and technologies of education. One of the key tasks facing the educational organizations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation is the preparation of specialists capable of effectively and safely performing their duties under high emotional stress and load. In this context, making the first shot from a pistol becomes an essential component of cadets' training, as the success of further mastery of shooting techniques and the overall effectiveness of working with firearms largely depends on this skill. The object of the study is the process of teaching cadets of the educational organizations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation to shoot from a pistol. The subject of the study is the methodological approaches and pedagogical aspects that contribute to the successful execution of the first shot. As part of the research, the authors conducted a pedagogical experiment based at the Nizhny Novgorod Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation and applied methods of generalizing the obtained data. The article discusses the importance of the first shot in forming skills in pistol shooting. The authors reveal key aspects that positively impact the development of this skill. The scientific novelty is due to the necessity of improving the training of specialists performing tasks associated with the use of firearms in high-risk situations and time constraints. Based on the research findings, the authors concluded that the successful execution of the first shot is a crucial aspect of shooting training, as it lays the foundation for further mastery of techniques and builds confidence in learners. In the context of modern threats and challenges faced by personnel, it is important not only to impart theoretical knowledge but also to develop practical skills.
Police activities. 2025;(5):158-168
158-168