Surveillance of modern communication technologies in criminal investigations

The paper analyzes the complex phenomenon of monitoring modern communication technologies and its significance in criminal investigations. Starting with the identification of technological challenges posed by OTT (Over-the-Top) services, the research establishes a theoretical and practical framework for surveillance by analyzing the stages of the communication process and identifying key interception points within the digital environment. Special focus is placed on online search operations and remote forensic examination of information systems, with an elaboration on legal standards and technical modalities of live forensics. The central part of the paper is dedicated to operational measures involving specially protected communication platforms, analyzing hardware device isolation and strategic vulnerabilities of server infrastructure. Furthermore, the paper critically examines the monitoring of retained data, emphasizing the importance of privacy protection in this domain. Concluding remarks point to a trend of communication decentralization aimed at evading surveillance, which imposes an imperative for investigative bodies to possess an in-depth understanding of the anatomy of digital processes as a fundamental prerequisite for the effective suppression of modern crime.