Specific Economic Expertisein Investigation of Economic Criminal Offenses


  • Vitalii Usatii
Keywords: special economic expertise; forensic economic examination; audit; documentary verification; specialist economist; interrogation; economic criminal offenses.

Abstract

Annotation: This article purpose is to clarify the role, place and significance of special economic knowledge in the investigation of criminal offenses in the sphere of economic activity, as well as to determine the optimal forms of their application at different stages of criminal proceedings. The methodological research basis was general scientific and special legal methods (dialectical, systemic-structural, functional, legal-dogmatic, interpretative and comparative-legal ones). It is substantiated that effective investigation of economic criminal offenses is impossible without involving knowledge that goes beyond the boundaries of traditional legal competence. Complexity of financial schemes, the multi-stage nature of economic processes and the similarity of criminal transactions to legal economic activity require the participation of economists, auditors, accountants and other specialists in the financial and economic field. Significance of audits and documentary checks as a non-procedural form of application of special economic knowledge is revealed, and the clarification of the audit report is also cha­racterized as a reference and consulting activity that ensures the correct interpretation of special terms, methods and financial conclusions. Particular attention is paid to the participation of a specialist economist in investigative (detective) actions, primarily in interrogation as a procedural tool for increasing the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the testimony received. It is argued that professional support of the investigator from a specialist is an important element in ensuring the pro­per quality of evidentiary information. The grounds and significance of the appointment of forensic economic and forensic accounting examinations are determined, which are the main forms of scientifically substantiated assessment of financial and economic operations and the elimination of contradictions that arise during the analysis of audit materials. It is summarized that special economic knowledge is a system-forming component of evidence in criminal proceedings of an economic nature. Their rational use contributes to increasing the efficiency of pre-trial investigation, ensures the accuracy of financial assessments, minimizes the risk of errors, and helps restore the violated rights of the state and business entities.

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Published
2025-12-31
How to Cite
Usatii, V. (2025). Specific Economic Expertisein Investigation of Economic Criminal Offenses. Theory and Practice of Forensic Science and Criminalistics, 41(4), 135-154. https://doi.org/10.32353/khrife.4.2025.08