CRIMINAL LAW MEANS OF COMBATING ORGANIZED CRIME: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF UKRAINIAN AND EU LEGISLATION

Abstract

The article discusses the urgent problem of combating organized crime in the context of martial law and global instability caused by Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine. The author emphasizes that organized crime is acquiring new complex forms, adapting to the challenges of our time, actively using technology and poses a threat not only to national security but also to the international legal order. The article provides a comparative analysis of national and international legislation, outlines the shortcomings of current approaches and suggests opportunities for implementing international experience into national legislation. The author analyzes the activities of the UK National Crime Agency (NCA), the French Government Strategy and Germany’s digital initiatives in the field of combating organized crime, which emphasizes the effectiveness of interagency coordination and the use of modern analytical tools. The author also examines the relevant judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, which demonstrate the need to maintain a balance between protecting citizens and respecting human rights in the fight against crime. Particular attention is paid to certain forms of criminal activity, in particular, drug-related crime and looting, which have significantly intensified during the war, have a high level of latency and require improvement of criminal law regulation. The author pays special attention to the recommendations for effective counteraction to organized crime in Ukraine, including: modernization of criminal legislation in line with international standards; creation of a powerful system of risk analysis and criminal analysis; active cooperation with foreign countries with successful experience; development of the institutional capacity of law enforcement agencies; maintaining a balance between national security and human rights, etc.Successful implementation of these recommendations will be the key to effective protection of society and strengthening of law and order in Ukraine at the present stage. The article contains an analysis of national and international legislation and recommendations for combating organized crime, which makes it relevant in today’s context.