The use of special technical devices intended for covert information acquisition by law enforcement officials: a legal aspect

The paper deals with the problematic issues of giving a universal definition of ‘special technical devices intended for covert information acquisition’. The study determines the legal basis for their use from the standpoint of the theory of operative investigative activities, the current Russian laws and by-laws that do not contain information classified as a state secret. The application of these technical devices by unauthorized personnel and the relevant legal implications are exemplified in the research. The study reveals the rules of Russian law determining the need to comply with the constitutional human and civil rights and freedoms when authorized officials use special technical devices intended for covert information acquisition during operative investigative actions in order to obtain information necessary to counter crime. Considering the opinion of the European Court of Human Rights, the authors note the prospects for further development of domestic legislation in this field based on the case law.