THE STATE OF RESEARCH OF ILLEGAL USE FOR PROFIT OF HUMANITARIAN AID, CHARITABLE DONATIONS OR FREE AID

Abstract

Introduction. This article examines the current state of scientific research of the illegal use of humanitarian aid, charitable donations, or free aid. The necessity to provide humanitarian aid (charitable donations) to vulnerable segments of the population during the large-scale war has led to separate cases of misappropriation, involving its illegal use for profit. However, considering the relatively recent criminalization of this offense, the issue of combating such phenomena remains a subject of active debate among domestic and foreign scholars. Abovementioned indicates that the research subject has not been sufficiently covered in the professional literature, which emphasizes its relevance.

Purpose. The article aims to provide an analysis of the state of research regarding the issues related to the investigation of the illegal use of humanitarian aid, charitable donations or free aid for profit.

Materials and methods. The study materials include dissertations and scientific works of domestic and foreign scholars, electronic sources and reports from international research centers (organizations). While conducting the study, general research methods such as analysis and synthesis as well as specialized research methods of legal formalism and comparative legal method were applied.

Results. Based on the empirical data analyzed, it has been established that, despite the existence of several complex studies related to the research subject, a number of issues requires further improvement and more thorough examination. This is due to both the relatively recent criminalization of the specified type of criminal offense and the limited case law and investigative practice in the relevant proceedings. Resolving these issues will help to increase the effectiveness of investigations of such crimes and improve the methodical support provided to law enforcement agencies.

Prospects. Among the areas requiring further research the following should be highlighted: the concept and classification of the illegal use of humanitarian aid, charitable donations, or free aid for profit; forensic characteristics of relevant criminal offenses; the use of special knowledge and the determination of the expediency of applying specific types of forensic examinations during the investigation of the unlawful use of humanitarian aid, charitable donations, or free aid.