TRACE PATTERN AS THE MAIN ELEMENT OF THE FORENSIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FORCED DISAPPEARANCE

Abstract

The trace pattern of a forced disappearance is a key element of the forensic characterization of this type of offense; however, its theoretical and practical understanding remains insufficient. The article examines the peculiarities of formation of material and ideal traces, their role in reconstructing the chronology of events, establishing the circumstances of the crime, and identifying persons involved in the offense. It is determined that at the initial stage of the investigation ideal traces dominate, which is explained by the limited time of the crime, the narrow circle of witnesses, and their reluctance to give testimony. At the same time, the involvement of accomplices of various statuses, including representatives of authority, determines the multiplicity of traces, their belonging to different persons, and the use of several technical means, which complicates identification and correlation analysis. The problem of the limited amount of material traces at the sites of violence due to their possible destruction or masking is separately considered, which emphasizes the need for a systematic examination of the scene and expanding the search to the places of preparation, movement, detention, and concealment of the consequences of the crime. The role of traces left by the victim is also analyzed, in particular microfibers, epithelial cells, hand and footwear traces, as well as traces on household items and vehicles used for transportation. Special attention is paid to odor traces as an additional source of information that can contribute to developing versions and proving the involvement of persons. It is shown that the effectiveness of the investigation increases when causal and functional connections between traces at different places of the event are established, which makes it possible to reconstruct the mechanism of the crime and determine the sequence of actions of accomplices. As a result, recommendations are formulated regarding the classification of traces by form, content, place of occurrence, and mechanism of trace formation, which will contribute to a systematic approach to their detection, fixation, and evaluation. The obtained results confirm that a comprehensive analysis of the trace pattern is a necessary condition for establishing the truth in criminal proceedings on forced disappearance. Improving the algorithms for examining the scene should provide for a phased search for traces along the route of movement, in places of temporary detention, and in areas where bodily injuries may be concealed, which will ensure a more complete reconstruction of the event.