The subject of this research is the methodology for investigating abuse of official authority (Article 285 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), considered as a system of scientifically sound provisions, recommendations and algorithms aimed at effective detection, investigation and prevention of this type of corruption crimes. The focus is on current problems and gaps related to the rapid change in ways of committing and concealing illegal acts in the context of technology development (including the use of artificial intelligence), the difficult economic situation and the emergence of new forms of counteraction to the investigation. The research focuses on the criminalistic characteristics of the crime, including an analysis of the typical personality traits of the perpetrator, the most common motives (selfish and other personal interests), methods of preparation, commission and disguise, as well as characteristic investigative situations. Special emphasis is placed on the relationship of abuse of authority with other crimes, primarily those stipulated by Chapter 30 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (for example, forgery, bribery), which requires an integrated approach to the investigation. Thus, the subject of the study covers both the theoretical foundations of building a private forensic methodology and the practical aspects of its application, taking into account modern challenges and the characteristics of the subject of the crime (mainly senior municipal employees). The work uses a set of general scientific and private scientific methods: formal-logical, comparative-legal, system-structural analysis, as well as statistical analysis, the study of materials of judicial practice and the method of modeling. The scientific novelty of the research lies in a comprehensive analysis of the current state and trends in the investigation of abuse of office based on up-to-date statistical data and generalization of investigative and judicial practice. The typological portrait of a typical subject of this crime is updated and detailed: a man of 40-50 years old, a leader in the municipal service system, with a higher (often legal) education. The most common ways of committing an act (fictitious document management, illegal allocation of budget funds) and their connection with other crimes are systematized. The conclusions of the study are practice-oriented: the need to take into account a high degree of procedural opposition is substantiated and specific recommendations for investigative actions are proposed. In particular, the importance of attracting highly specialized specialists (accountants, land law experts) and careful preparation for interaction with legally savvy officials to increase the effectiveness of the investigation is emphasized.
Anatolii Sergeevich Usenko (Thu,) studied this question.