CYBERCRIMES AS AN OBJECT OF LEGAL CLASSIFICATION

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of cybercrimes as an object of legal classification in the context of the transformation of legal relations driven by global digitalization and the growing level of criminal activity in cyberspace. The study examines key theoretical and legal approaches to the definition of “cybercrime” and “cybercriminality” and highlights the lack of a unified classification in national legislation, along with inconsistencies in academic discourse. Particular attention is paid to the normative uncertainty regarding the legal qualification of offenses committed using information and communication technologies. The article explores the procedural peculiarities of handling electronic evidence during prtrial investigation and the challenges associated with its admissibility and reliability. Based on the provisions of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and Ukrainian criminal law, the author proposes a systematization of cybercrimes according to the nature of harm, method of commission, technological complexity, and subject composition. The study emphasizes the importance of delineating the functional jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies engaged in combating cybercrime, including the Security Service of Ukraine and various structural units of the National Police, in particular the Cyber Police Department. The author argues for the need to establish an integrated interagency mechanism for informa- tion sharing and cooperation. The paper underlines that the digital nature of modern crimes, their high level of anonymity, cross-border character, and use of encrypted communication channels create significant challenges for criminal justice systems. This necessitates the advancement of digital forensic tools and the training of qualified professionals. The article concludes by substantiating the necessity of a coherent conceptual framework for the legal classification of cybercrimes as a prerequisite for effective criminal-legal response to threats in the digital environment.