DIGITAL FORENSICS AS A CATALYST FOR ENHANCING CYBERCRIME INVESTIGATION CAPACITY

The escalating scale and sophistication of cybercrime continue to challenge law enforcement agencies worldwide, a problem compounded by a persistent shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. Digital forensics has emerged as a critical enabler of effective cybercrime investigation, supporting the identification, preservation, analysis, and presentation of digital evidence. This paper examines the role of digital forensics in strengthening cybercrime investigation capacity through technological innovation and human capital development. Adopting a qualitative review of existing literature, the study evaluates the contribution of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cloud forensics, and forensic automation, to improving the efficiency and accuracy of cybercrime investigations. The findings indicate that integrating advanced forensic technologies with continuous professional training, and fostering stronger collaboration among academia, industry, and law enforcement, significantly enhances investigative effectiveness. The study concludes that sustained investment in digital forensic capabilities and workforce development is essential for closing the cybersecurity skills gap and strengthening crime and security management in the digital era