Prospects for Improving Forensic Support in the Investigation of Economic Crimes

Abstract

The primary concerns of this paper are to define the role and current trends in professional activities of forensic experts and specialists in criminal proceedings on economic crimes. The author analyses contemporary trends in the use of specific expertise as a scientific underpinning for the administration of justice in Ukraine, particularly during the investigation of economic crimes such as money laundering, smuggling and financial fraud, etc. The article highlights the crucial role of forensic experts and specialists in maintaining the accuracy and objectivity during criminal investigations, in ensuring that procedural decisions are objective and reasoned, and in aligning national practice with European standards. Legal regulation, practical aspects and methodological challenges of engaging forensic experts have been discussed, and the importance of experts’ independence, professional competence and adherence to procedural safeguards has been emphasised. Analysis of national and European case law has identified systemic issues, including gaps in Ukraine’s criminal procedure legislation, lack of standardised methodological guidelines, and limited accessibility to the Register of Methodologies for Conducting Forensic Examinations for participants in criminal proceedings. Comprehensive measures have been proposed to improve Ukrainian legislation, establish a unified national inter-agency methodological body responsible for developing, registering and monitoring forensic examination methodologies that address actual capabilities of all parties involved in forensic activities, provide public access to the Register of Methodologies for Conducting Forensic Examinations, elaborate on professional development of forensic experts as well as upgrading of technical facilities, and govern participation of foreign specialists in the activities of national expert institutions. Adoption of these proposals will pave the way for improving the quality of proof, ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law, and strengthening public confidence in Ukraine’s criminal justice system in the context of European integration.