State border guard service of Ukraine as subject of criminal intelligence

The article examines the need for reforming operational and investigative activities in Ukraine due to a paradigm shift caused by the adoption of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine in 2012 and the country's European integration aspirations. The outdated Law of Ukraine "On Operational and Investigative Activities" (1992) necessitates an update and a transition to a new model–criminal intelligence. The research analyzes Ukrainian scholars' works on the development of criminal intelligence. It has been established that after the adoption of the Criminal Procedure Code, operational and investigative activities lost their proactive role in combating crime. The article substantiates the necessity of formally recognizing the institution of criminal intelligence through the adoption of the Law of Ukraine "On Criminal Intelligence". The authors emphasize European experience, particularly in Lithuania, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, where criminal intelligence is integrated into law enforcement and has legal recognition. The article proposes modernizing the approach of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine by establishing criminal intelligence units within existing operational structures. Key tasks of criminal intelligence within the State Border Guard Service are identified, along with procedural mechanisms, control measures, and legal regulations. The article concludes that developing new legislation governing criminal intelligence is crucial for aligning Ukraine with EU standards, enhancing crime prevention efforts, and ensuring national security. Special attention is given to the procedural aspects of criminal intelligence operations, including the duration of such activities, extension possibilities, involvement of covert participants, and mechanisms for their legal protection. The article proposes the establishment of unified departmental oversight of criminal intelligence activities within the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, which would enhance resource efficiency and ensure transparency. Key words: operational and investigative activities; criminal intelligence; State Border Guard Service; operational units; powers.