Специфіка застосування API/PNR як інструменту оперативно- розшукової діяльності

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the use of Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems as significant instruments in the field of operational and investigative activities. The article highlights the historical development and legal framework governing the implementation of these systems, with a particular focus on international standards introduced by the United Nations Security Council, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the European Union, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the World Customs Organization (WCO). The study examines in detail the practical experience of implementing API/PNR in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union, underlining their crucial role in countering terrorism, illegal migration, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other forms of transnational organized crime. API enables the transmission of identification data about passengers prior to their arrival, while PNR provides a wide range of additional information, including booking records, travel itineraries, personal data, and payment methods. The integration of API and PNR data therefore creates a powerful tool for risk assessment, detection of suspicious individuals, identification of criminal networks, and well-timed intervention by law enforcement agencies. The article also explores challenges associated with API/ PNR implementation, such as the variable quality of data, technical interoperability issues between different systems, and the risks of human rights violating, particularly the right to privacy and data protection. Special emphasis is placed on the relevance of these systems for Ukraine, which is currently in the process of developing its own legal and institutional framework for API/PNR. The author argues that establishing a unified national API/PNR system in compliance with international standards will strengthen Ukraine’s national security, improve border control, and foster deeper integration into global security and data exchange mechanisms.