The importance of digital evidence in criminal procedure

At present, the information sphere provided by the functioning of the digital infrastructure objects system has been formed. Elements of this system, representing information processes and means of their implementation with inherent functionality of information transformations, associated with the search, analysis, storage and arrangement of information, they can also be used as technical and forensic means, which makes it important to find and explore ways and means of integrating them into the forensic process. The introduction and use of advanced technology in the field of criminal procedure does not in itself increase its quality but allows paying attention to details. There is a significant amount of research in the development of technical and forensic means of detection and fixation of digital (electronic, virtual, computer) traces of criminal activity, but most of them are devoted to the development and application of special technical and forensic means in forensic activities. With the development of modern high technology, special programmes should be used in the initial stages of the investigation. The proper detection, fixation, seizure and preservation of digital information will significantly contribute to the identification of all participants in the criminal event, their search and arrest, the search for stolen goods and, in general, provide a reliable evidence base for the preliminary investigation. The article reveals the significance of digital evidence in the Russian legislation and practice of its application.