Abstract

Without a principal law in Ukraine on weapons and munitions for them, certain difficulties arise in law enforcement activities with the qualification of the actions of offenders in the field of illegal circulation of weapons, manufacture of munitions, and the use of explosives. The purpose of this study was to investigate such weapons as ammunition and explosives, which become the subject of offences by criminals in connection with the illegal circulation of weapons, their components, their manufacture, and use. The study employed historical-legal, comparative-legal, systemic-structural, statistical, and sociological methods. Military supplies and explosives were classified to establish a particular object as an object of criminal encroachment; their forensically significant features and properties were determined. The role of ballistics specialists, explosives specialists, and other experts during the inspection of the scene, the investigation of illegal arms trafficking, the manufacture of ammunition and the use of explosives was covered. It was proved that ammunition and explosives have a close relationship with the persona of the criminal, the method of committing the criminal offence, and the trace pattern. The theoretical provisions regarding the properties and signs of ammunition and explosives were improved. Forensic recommendations on the actions of law enforcement officers with ammunition and explosives in criminal proceedings were developed. Recommendations regarding the removal and packaging of munitions and explosives as physical evidence have gained further development. The practical significance lies in clarifying the properties and signs of ammunition and explosives, which allows for the identification of these items at the initial stage of the investigation; correct actions for their detection, fixation, extraction, packaging; appropriate criminal-legal qualification of the offence committed.