THEFT IN THE SPHERE OF CRYPTOCURRENCY TURNOVER IN THE STRUCTURE OF CYBERCRIME: TYPES, PROBLEMS OF INVESTIGATION (BELARUSIAN EXPERIENCE)

Abstract Introduction: the article presents an analysis of the phenomenon of cryptocurrency theft within the context of cybercrime in the Republic of Belarus. The objective is to identify the tactical and procedural challenges encountered by Belarusian law enforcement agencies in investigating this category of crimes. The necessity for this research is determined by the requirement to identify scientifically sound methods of solving the problems identified, with the aim of improving the effectiveness of the investigation process of theft in the sphere of cryptocurrency turnover. Materials and Methods: the author of the article has conducted a comprehensive investigation into the regulatory framework governing the turnover of cryptocurrency in the territory of the Republic of Belarus, as well as the activities of law enforcement agencies in investigating crimes. This involved a detailed analysis of relevant legal instruments and materials from judicial and investigative practice. In preparing this article, a variety of methods were employed, including the general method of cognition, as well as general and particular scientific methods. These included the statistical method, the formal-legal method, the system-structural method, the formal-logical method, and others. Literature Review: a review of the literature was conducted, focusing on works by Belarusian and Russian authors that address legal issues related to cryptocurrency turnover and the methodology of investigating theft in this context. Results revealed that the author proposed a system of methods for committing theft in the sphere of cryptocurrency turnover in the territory of the Republic of Belarus. Furthermore, the research identified the problems of obtaining criminalistically significant information in cases of this category, as well as organisational and methodological problems affecting the effectiveness of the investigation process of cryptocurrency theft. Discussion and Conclusions: the ways of enhancing the efficacy of the investigative methodology for crimes involving cryptocurrency turnover by modifying the Belarusian approach to the legal regulation of cryptocurrency turnover, establishing new channels for acquiring criminologically significant information from foreign sources, and improving the tactics for conducting certain investigative and procedural actions have been identified.