PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TACTICAL OPERATION ‘IDENTIFYING THE ORGANISER’ DURING THE INVESTIGATION OF THE ILLEGAL TRAFFICKING OF AMMUNITION BY A GROUP

Abstract

This article examines the psychological aspects of carrying out the tactical operation ‘Exposing the Organizer’ during the investigation of the illegal trafficking of ammunition by a criminal group. The relevance of the study stems from the growing public danger posed by the illegal trafficking of ammunition, the increasing complexity of organized criminal groups, and the need to enhance the effectiveness of forensic support for pre-trial investigations into this category of criminal offences. This issue takes on particular significance under martial law, when the risk of ammunition entering civilian circulation illegally increases, creating additional threats to public safety and contributing to the spread of other forms of criminal activity. This paper examines the nature and forensic significance of the tactical operation ‘Identification of the Organizer’ as a set of coordinated investigative, operational and organizational measures aimed at identifying the individual who coordinates criminal activities, determines the group’s operational strategy and ensures its secrecy. It is argued that the effectiveness of such a tactical operation depends to a large extent on taking into account the psychological patterns of a criminal group’s functioning, in particular the characteristics of the formation of the internal group hierarchy, the mechanisms of leadership and subordination, the motivational structure of the participants, as well as the nature of the communication links between them. This article analyses the psychological characteristics of a criminal organizer, which manifest themselves in the ability to engage in strategic planning, exert manipulative influence over accomplices, maintain internal group discipline, and create a system of limited awareness amongst members regarding the true scale of criminal activity. Particular attention is paid to the study of the psychological mechanisms ensuring the stability of a criminal group, in particular the role of authority, fear, material dependence and loyalty in maintaining the participants’ subordination to the organizer. It is demonstrated that the analysis of these factors is of great importance for establishing the actual hierarchy within a criminal group and identifying the real centre of decision-making. Particular attention is paid to the role of psychological knowledge in the planning and execution of the tactical operation ‘Exposing the Organizer’. The importance of psychological analysis of the behaviour of criminal group members, their reactions in crisis situations, the nature of communication between accomplices, and the specific features of their motivation is demonstrated as a basis for developing effective investigative tactics. The possibilities of utilising intra-group conflicts, a differentiated psychological approach to different categories of participants, and the phased presentation of evidence to undermine the psychological resilience of the criminal group and establish the organizational role of a specific individual are demonstrated. It has been concluded that taking a comprehensive account of the psychological aspects of organized criminal groups’ operations significantly enhances the effectiveness of forensic support for investigations into the illicit trafficking of ammunition, helps to establish the actual roles of those involved in criminal activities, and ensures the successful execution of tactical operations aimed at exposing the organizers.