THE ROLE OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS IN THE PROTECTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE ASSETS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Special investigative activity has always been an essential legal instrument of the state, intended to protect fundamental social values, including cultural heritage assets that are the subject of crimes. The recent legislative changes in the Republic of Moldova have changed the way this activity is regulated, generating difficulties in the understanding and unitary application of the new regulations. This study aims to explain, highlight and analyze the problems related to the normative framework that prevent special investigations to be carried out in order to prevent and investigate crimes, including those that attack cultural heritage assets. Finally, recommendations will be made to improve the legal framework and to optimize the application of the special investigative activity in this specific context.