Problems of seizing objects, documents and materials in carrying out open operative-search activities

Introduction. Operative-search and criminal procedural activities are interconnected and focused on crime prevention, suppression and detection. The results of operationalsearch activity can be used in proving criminal cases, if they do not contradict the requirements concerning evidence (Article 89 of the Criminal Procedural Code of the Russian Federation). Part 1 of Article 15 of the Federal Law “On Operative-Search Activities” states that the body carrying out operative-search activities when seizing objects, documents and materials should be guided by criminal procedural legislation, which regulates making a protocol without specifying its type and requirements. This causes problems in the application of criminal procedural legislation in carrying out open operative-search activities. Methods. The methods of scientific cognition were applied: comparative-legal one, complex analysis, generalisation. Results: 1. Part 1 of Article 15 of the Federal Law “On Operative-Search Activities” states that the body carrying out operative-search activities should be guided by criminal procedural legislation regulating the procedure for making a protocol of the investigative action according to the requirements of Articles 166 and 167 of the Criminal Procedural Code of the Russian Federation. These articles constitute the evidence specified in Paragraph 5, Part 2, Article 74 of the Criminal Procedural Code of the Russian Federation – the protocol of the investigative action. 2. Making a protocol of seizing objects, documents, materials in carrying out open operative-search activities in accordance with the procedure provided for another criminal procedural or investigative action specified in the titles of Chapters 24-27 of the Criminal Procedural Code of the Russian Federation does not comply with Part 1 of Article 15 of the Federal Law “On Operative-Search Activities” and the current criminal procedural legislation. 3. The protocol of seizure of objects, documents, materials made by the body carrying out open operative-search activities in accordance with the requirements of Articles 166, 167 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation, should include information about the specialist, interpreter and witnesses. 4. Such a protocol of seizure of objects, documents, materials is a part of the operative-search activity. The title of the protocol may correspond to the name of the operative-search activity or have its own title, for example: a) “Protocol of seizure of objects”, b) “Protocol of seizure of documents”, c) “Protocol of seizure of materials”.