FINANCIAL INVESTIGATIONS TECHNIQUES AND METHODS USING IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS OF LAW-ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES

Abstract

Criminal investigations became increasingly complicated by more confusing schemes used by individual criminals and criminal groups. The only way to prosecute “smart criminals” is to use financial investigation techniques. A careful financial investigation using various financial investigations tools and methods, as well as their improvement allow to conduct investigations effectively. By following the trail of the money and other assets, a financial investigation can reveal the complex structure of major criminal organization. Financial investigations reveal the proceeds of crime, as well as traces of evidence that lead investigators, detectives, analysts to the top of the hierarchy of criminal groups. Today's financial crimes are often complicated by the use of money laundering schemes. A financial investigation should be an integral part of any investigation as a whole. This requires a comprehensive approach that emphasizes financial investigations as an integral part of law enforcement efforts. Clear goals, targeted action, sufficient resources, training of investigators, detectives, analysts and the use of legally available tools are important elements of an effective financial investigation strategy in any country. The principal goal of applying financial investigative techniques is to gather information that will be admissible in court. In the study, defined financial investigation as a set of different techniques; identified problematic issues of techniques, methods and tools of financial investigations; revealed features of cooperation in financial investigations within the framework of investigation of criminal corruption offenses; offered directions of increase of their efficiency.