Criminalistic characteristics of cybercrimes in the field of digital financial technologies: structural-functional analysis and strategic problems of prevention

The subject of this research is the forensic characteristics of crimes committed using electronic payment systems (EPS), considered as a systematized informational-analytical model. This model is a structured description of typical, stable relationships between elements of criminal activity in this area, including the specifics of the object of criminal encroachment, the environment, the method of commission, as well as the characteristics of individuals involved in the criminal event (the offender and the victim). In the paper, the subject of research is specified through the prism of structural-functional analysis, which allows for revealing not only the component parts of the characteristics but also their interdependence, role in the crime mechanism, and impact on the investigation process. To conduct a structural-functional analysis of the forensic characteristics of unlawful acts in the field of EPS to enhance the efficiency of pre-trial proceedings and the development of strategic preventive measures. The research is based on the analysis of Russian legislation on the national payment system and information security, scientific works of leading criminologists, synthesis of materials from official statistics, and judicial-investigative practice. The system-forming components of forensic characteristics have been identified: the virtual, cross-border, and high-tech nature of the object (EPS); the specifics of the environment and mechanism of commission; social and psychological profiles of the offender and the victim. Systemic counteraction problems have been identified: high latency, difficulties in procedural fixation and proof, asynchrony in the development of criminal and law enforcement technologies. The scientific novelty of the conducted research lies in the comprehensive structural-functional analysis of the forensic characteristics of cybercrimes in the field of digital financial technologies, which has allowed for overcoming the fragmentation of existing approaches. The results can be used in the practical activities of law enforcement agencies when investigating cybercrimes, in legislative work, and in the educational process for preparing specialists in the field of digital forensics and information security. The specifics of the forensic characteristics of cybercrimes in the field of EPS are determined by the properties of the object of encroachment. A comprehensive approach that integrates technological, legal, forensic, organizational, and preventive-educational measures is necessary for effective counteraction.