Forensic expertise in the investigation of illegal hunting and trafficking of the most valuable wildlife

Illegal hunting and trafficking of the most valuable wild animals are provided for in Article 258.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. One of the conditions for an effective investigation of such crimes is the precise definition of the crime subject, namely the species (subspecies) of animals against which the unlawful acts have been committed. This task is currently being carried out both by the use of a specialist to carry out investigative actions and by the examination of wild fauna. The analysis of practice indicates that there are problems in determining the form and scope of special knowledge required in the investigation of crimes provided for in Article 258.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.