Theoretical foundations of the poaching study: problems of legal regulation

The paper is concerned with theoretical and practical aspects of the poaching phenomenon as national and transnational environmental crime. It critically examines Russian legislation on the use of biological resources in general and countering poaching in particular and presents a review of research con-ducted internationally and in Russia as well as statistical data provided by international organizations and state bodies of the Russian Federation. It also defines the concept of poaching and its legal characteristics, highlights key challenges to countering poaching both within Russia and at the transnational level. Particular emphasis is placed on poaching across the Russia-China border adjacent to the Far Eastern and Siberian Federal Districts which ac-count for the rarest flora and fauna species in Russia. The paper outlines challenges to regulating federal anti-poaching legislation and current pitfalls in combating illicit trafficking of species at the state level. It considers op-posing viewpoints of researchers engaged in this field, their strengths and weaknesses, and suggests possible solutions to the identified problems. The paper concludes that methods of combating poaching are still underdeveloped and require certain legislative improvements at the level of national legislation and international cooperation.л.

Electronic evidence

Relevance of the problem outlined in the article is due to increasing levels of crime in the sphere of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues or precursors using information and telecommunication systems. The aim of the article is a comprehensive analysis of the problem of the use of electronic evidence in proving crimes of trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues or precursors. To achieve the goal were used to theoretical, historical comparative methods and logical analysis; application of dialectical method allowed to reveal the meaning of concepts "electronic evidence The article presents the most common methods of communication in the sale of drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues or precursors through such means of communication as messengers, social networks, online games, proprietary programs. It is established that the main causes of drug trafficking crimes include: insufficient legal regulation of cyberspace, the lack of geographical boundaries, the spread of information about drugs on the Internet, especially in Darknet), the uncontrolled development of the cryptocurrency market. The definition of electronic proof in the Ukrainian legal system, as well as the forms and features of electronic proof are considered.

Strategy for Implementing Operations to Handle the Crime of Narcotics

Narcotics abuse is closely related to illicit trafficking as part of trans national organized crime. People become dependent so that the supply continues to increase. The relationship between dealers and victims is solidly bonded. It is difficult for victims to escape from dealer/s, even though victims are not frequently involved. This solid relationship between dealer/s and victim/s put the police in difficulty overcoming the crime. However, the West Jakarta Metro Police successfully manages to tackle that challenge. This research takes place in the West Jakarta Police Station. This article aims to explain the strategy for handling the 120 kg narcotics crimes by the West Jakarta Metro Police. The results of this study indicate that the attainment of the West Jakarta Metro Police depends on four things: (1) the pungent substance of the law on narcotics; (2) adequate law enforcement; (3) strategic programs in improving the competence of components of investigators; and (4) the existence of institution facilities and structures that support the case handling process.

Illegal circulation of digital currencies: features of criminal investigation

The purpose of the study is to analyze the international and national legal regulation of the digital currencies circulation at the present stage, to assess the state of crime with the illegal use of these assets, to identify the features of the investigating such crimes and to substantiate proposals aimed at improving legislation and law enforcement practice. The following methods were used in the research: normative and comparative legal – in the analysis of legislation and practice of seizure and confiscation of digital currencies in different states, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of national approaches, to assess the possibility of their unification and harmonization; phenomenological – in considering the criminal trafficking in digital currency as a phenomenon that requires special methods of detection and investigation; general logical methods of analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, methods of empirical research and analysis. It was shown that with the rapid growth of crime involving cryptocurrencies, the legislation of various states is at the stage of formation of legal regulation of the fight against its illicit trafficking: only some countries have established the status of digital currency as property, provided for the specifics of seizure, storage and sale of digital currency in criminal cases. The need to recognize digital currencies as property has been substantiated. It is shown that the seizure and confiscation of cryptocurrencies should be carried out only by court decision. The lack of special knowledge in the field of digital technology among the investigator, prosecutor and the court requires the mandatory involvement of a specialist in the proceedings on cases of crimes committed with the use of digital currency.

Cultural heritage management and the effect of corruption in Nigeria: hampering sustainable development via cultural heritage destruction

PurposeThe aim of this research is to discuss the effect of corruption on conventional management of cultural heritage (CH) resources in Nigeria. It identifies the means by which the effect can be curtailed to bring about proper management system in the CH sector and pave the way for economic/sustainable development through cultural tourism in the country.Design/methodology/approachThe research draws from both exploratory and comparative approaches. It took a study of selected locations and museums in the six geopolitical zones of the country, with a review of literatures on cultural heritage management (CHM). It also gives summarized information on the present overall effect of corruption in the CH sector of Nigeria.FindingsThe research reveals that there are some levels of mismanagement and destruction of CH resources in the country. This is manifested in acts of museum theft, illicit trafficking, unlawful possession and general mishandling of CH, as well as the deterioration of facilities in the sector. The research gathered that the problem came as a result of wrongful appointment of none heritage experts as heads of heritage-related institutions and agencies. It also results from lack of required attention by the government and other relevant stakeholders (such as community leaders/members, academics and law enforcement agencies, inter alia) toward CH preservation, protection, management and promotion for sustainable development. The research recommends that the government and other CH stakeholders (mentioned above) should make efforts to address the issues discussed, so as to improve the management of CH in the country for sustainable development.Originality/valuePrior to this research, there has been no publication addressing the effect of corruption on CHM in this context and location. The article makes recommendations that call for action and also set grounds for future discourse.

The international legal framework for cooperation between States on countering illicit trafficking in medical products

The monograph is devoted to the study of the international foundations of cooperation between states in the field of combating illicit trafficking in medical products (NOM), as well as to the study of the functioning of modern international legal mechanisms of such interaction. The author's proposals for improving the legal regulation in the field of countering the NOM in the process of implementing international legal norms regulating these legal relations into the legislation of the Russian Federation and foreign states are presented. For a wide range of readers interested in countering illegal trafficking of goods, works and services. It will be useful for students, postgraduates and teachers of law schools.