Online stores involved in the illegal sale of synthetic drugs: differentiation and specific features

Based on the analysis of forensic investigative practices on facts of the illegal sale of synthetic drugs committed by using online stores, the author determines the indicators of the mechanism of criminal activity of online stores, namely: the presence of independent structural formations, a significant number of participants, the use of messenger applications and media files among members of the criminal community, the use of a set of measures to ensure a high level of conspiracy; concurrent distribution of narcotic drugs on several territories of the Russian Federation, as well as in some cases on the territories of other countries; the availability of job descriptions providing for the responsibilities of each participant, a system of rewards and punishments; the use of Bitcoin and Ethereum cryptocurrency.