Crime in the New Age: A Paradigm Shift (on the 30th Anniversary of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation)

This editorial, based on the results of the 22nd International Scientific and Practical Conference “Kovalev Readings” (Ekaterinburg, February 11–13, 2026) dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, examines the paradigm shift in criminal law regulation under the conditions of digitalisation, geopolitical changes and emerging criminal threats. Drawing on the materials of plenary and panel sessions as well as presentations by leading scholars and practitioners, the authors characterise the key directions of the transformation of criminal legislation: from changes in the concept of crime and guilt to digital objects of criminal encroachment and a new architecture of punishment. Special attention is paid to the problems of qualification of crimes in the economic sphere, against military service, and the criminological aspects of cybercrime. The authors conclude that a systematic revision of the fundamental constructs of criminal law is necessary, while maintaining the continuity of the scientific school and strengthening the role of restorative justice.