Features of technical and forensic support for the investigation of criminal offences related to illegal deforestation during the period of martial law

Abstract

The article highlights the peculiarities of technical and forensic sup port for the investigation of criminal offences related to illegal logging of forest plantations. The author analyses the peculiarities of conducting a crime scene inspection in this category of proceedings during martial law in accordance with the stages of its conduct. The author emphasises the need to protect all participants to investigative (detective) actions. Attention is drawn to the need to involve, in addition to criminalists, spe cialists in other fields of knowledge (dog handlers, surveyors, botanists, economists, etc.), as well as forestry workers and loggers who can assist in the investigation of criminal proceedings. The article provides a list of technical means, forensic equipment and special equipment that should be used during inspection and other investigative (detective) actions to increase their effectiveness. Given that a wide range of traces may be found during the inspection of the scene, special attention is paid to the peculiarities of seizure and packaging of various types of material evi dence (primarily when seizing traces on stumps or felled trees). Based on the analysis of the expert practice of Kharkiv Scientific Research Forensic Centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the article considers the problematic issues arising in the course of forensic exam inations in these specialities (especially in the course of preparation and appointment of forensic trace evidence examinations). The essence of the mechanism of trace formation during wood sawing is considered. Recommendations are given on the correct formulation of questions in the preparation of procedural documents for the appointment of a fo rensic trace examination.