Priority areas of activity of law enforcement agencies in investigating crimes against the peace and security of mankind

Abstract

The article examines the priority areas of activity of law enforcement agencies in investigating crimes against the peace and security of mankind under contemporary conditions of armed conflict. It is substantiated that such crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and the crime of aggression, pose a significant threat to fundamental values of international law and require an effective response at both national and international levels. Particular attention is paid to the role of national law enforcement bodies in ensuring proper documentation, investigation, and prosecution of these crimes in accordance with international standards.

The study analyzes the current legal and organizational framework of criminal investigations in Ukraine, taking into account the challenges caused by large-scale armed aggression. It is argued that the effectiveness of investigations largely depends on the implementation of practical mechanisms, including standardized documentation procedures, interagency coordination, international cooperation, and the use of modern forensic and digital technologies. Special emphasis is placed on the growing importance of digital evidence and open-source intelligence in documenting crimes committed in conditions of limited access to crime scenes.

The article also highlights the practical experience of Ukraine in investigating international crimes, particularly through cooperation with the International Criminal Court and participation in joint investigation teams. It is demonstrated that the integration of national procedures with international standards contributes to enhancing the evidentiary value of collected materials and ensures their admissibility in international proceedings.

Based on the analysis, the author proposes directions for improving the activities of law enforcement agencies, including the institutionalization of specialized investigative units, the development of unified standards of evidence collection, and the strengthening of international legal cooperation. The findings emphasize the necessity of transforming declarative approaches into practical mechanisms capable of ensuring the inevitability of punishment for international crimes.