Forensic and Procedural Foundations for Initiating and Systematically Organizing the Investigation of Illegal Attacks in the Field of Digital Payment Technologies

This article provides a comprehensive study of the procedural and forensic principles of detection, initialverifi cation, and subsequent investigation of criminal offenses carried out using electronic payment technologies (EPS). The relevance of this topic is determined by the extremely high latency rates and transnational component of this category of cybercrime, which pose a systemic threat to the stability of the financial and economic sector. The paper provides a systematic analysis of the regulatory framework, including provisions of the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes of the Russian Federation, the Federal Law “On the National Payment System,” and regulatory acts of the Bank of Russia. A detailed analysis is provided of the sources of criminal prosecution, the specifics of evaluating initial data during the pre-investigation stage, qualification issues, and the typical difficulties arising when deciding to initiate a criminal case. Particular attention is paid to the classification of typical investigative scenarios, the methodology for developing a system of versions, and the determination of priority investigative vectors. A conclusion has been reached regarding the critical importance of a comprehensive approach integrating rapid response, the use of specialized technical expertise, effective interagency cooperation with financial institutions, and the improvement of international legal cooperation tools.