THE FORENSIC CHARACTERISTICS OF CRYPTOCURRENCY FRAUD

Abstract

In the context of the economy digitalization and the information technologies’ active development, cryptocurrency fraud poses an increased social danger and is characterized by a high level of latency, a transnational nature, and difficulties in detection. Purpose: to determine the content and structure of the cryptocurrency fraud’s forensic characteristics of and to identify forensically significant features relevant to the initial stage of investigation. Methods: general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, as well as special forensic methods, including the systems-and-activity approach, formal logical analysis, forensic modeling, and the generalization of investigative and judicial practice. Results: it is substantiated that the forensic characteristics of cryptocurrency fraud have independent practical significance and function as an information-oriented category. Its main elements are highlighted, the specificity of the digital trace pattern is revealed, and the role of digital traces as a primary source of evidential information is also shown. The study concludes that the use of forensic characteristics is advisable when formulating investigative hypotheses, planning investigations, and selecting tactical techniques.