Counteraction crimes encroaching on objects of cultural heritage as the direction of the Russian criminal policy

Purpose: To analyze the features of the formation of the main directions of the Russian criminal policy in the field of combating crimes that infringe on the objects of cultural heritage, and to identify the new ways to improve the criminal law and its application in the field of protection of cultural values. Methodology: Systematic, legalistic, logical, comparative and other methods of scientific research were used. Results: The paper analyzes the current state of the criminal policy in the field of combating crimes against cultural values and defines its main directions. Positive trends, as well as areas requiring improvement, are highlighted. Novelty/originality/value: The article has a certain scientific value. New directions of criminal policy in the sphere are outlined, what can be used in the improvement of the current criminal legislation of the Russian Federation.