COMPUTER FORENSIC IN FUNCTION OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

Abstract

Computer forensics is increasingly finding its place in the criminal investigation of criminal offenses in order to shed light on and provide the evidence necessary to initiate criminal proceedings against the perpetrators of crimes that have misused computer technology in criminal activities. Criminal investigation is a procedure of using tactics, techniques and methods aimed at detecting, clarifying and providing evidence through legally prescribed operational-tactical measures and actions, investigative actions and special investigative measures. The Macedonian legislator in the criminal procedural legislation envisages measures and actions for providing electronic evidence which is relevant in computer crimes, but also in specific criminal situations electronic evidence has its meaning in the process of clarification of other classic and economic crimes. This paper analyzes the steps and procedures for extracting, processing and presenting electronic evidence that represent data contained in computer devices, data transmitted through computer systems and networks in order to adapt them to a form acceptable to judicial authorities based on the analysis of all evidence bases the verdicts on the perpetrators who are charged with a specific computer or other crime. An analysis of the actions of the competent investigative and judicial bodies in the process from detection to verdict is made by analyzing reported, accused and convicted perpetrators of the most committed computer crimes, but an analysis will be made for the need of electronic evidence in other crimes through analysis of case. Keywords: Computer forensics, Forensic research, Computer devices, Electronic evidence, Perpetrators of crime.