UNSOLVED CRIMES OF PAST YEARS: PROBLEMS, TECHNOLOGIES AND INSTITUTIONAL SOLUTIONS

Abstract

The relevance of the study is determined by the large number of unresolved cold cases, their accumulation in national and international practice, as well as the rapid increase in war-related and military criminal offenses in Ukraine and the loss of part of criminal case materials. The aim of the research is to develop a comprehensive and scientifically grounded strategy for investigating such crimes, taking into account modern forensic, digital, and organizational capabilities. The methodological framework includes systemic, formal-logical, comparative legal, statistical, and structural-functional methods, as well as an interdisciplinary approach integrating forensics, criminology, forensic science, and information-analytical technologies. Results. The study establishes that the key factor complicating investigations is not time itself but the objective consequences of its passage, including the loss or degradation of evidence, transformation of the crime scene, disappearance of participants, and deterioration of witness reliability. At the same time, it is proved that time may also have a positive effect due to offenders’ reduced caution and potential selfincrimination. The research substantiates that effective investigation is ensured through the integration of digital evidence (mobile data, internet traces, metadata, video analytics), artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and digital processing of genetic information. The necessity of establishing specialized Cold Case Units, improving legal regulation, enhancing interagency and international cooperation, and modernizing professional training is justified. It is concluded that effective investigation of cold cases is possible only through a comprehensive approach aimed at minimizing the consequences of time, systematic case review, and implementation of innovative forensic methods and digital technologies. Conclusions. Taking into account the scientific achievements of the authors and the provisions of modern criminology, it is proposed to improve the organizational and legal mechanisms for the investigation of unsolved crimes, in particular, the creation of specialized analytical units, the integration of digital tools into the criminal process and the development of interdisciplinary approaches to the study of evidence.