CLASSIFICATION PROBLEM OF THE MOST VALUABLE ANIMALS, AQUATIC BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES, THEIR PARTS AND DERIVATIVES SMUGGLING THROUGH MODERN MEDIA
Challenge: The 2017 outcome illustrated that rate of illicit trade in wildlife in Russian Federation exceeded 18 billion rubles. Electronic information and telecommunication networks, e.g. the internet contribute to the development of the wildlife smuggling due to the spread, access and feature of hidden information. However, through internet not only illegally sourced wildlife products are sold, but also new orders for them are made. Thus, modern media stimulate poaching and smuggling. An effective combat against this phenomenon must be conducted through a criminal proceeding and using of elaborated legislative standards. Nevertheless, it must be noted that recent innovations of specific legislation have posed a problem how to classify the most valuable animals, aquatic biological resources, their parts and derivatives smuggling through modern media properly. This study is necessary to overcome challenges of the crime classification, to optimize criminal law, to analyze used concepts and to accomplish criminal proceeding goals. Model: Nonfiction literature and general documents of the Russian Federation containing information on the topic were analyzed. Originality: The scientific article contains controversial issues. It is one of the few researches on the topic. Conclusion: The analysis lets us to suggest that there is no possibility of practical use the classification feature for illegal trade in wildlife with its public demonstration through the mass media, information and telecommunication networks including the internet. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize criminal law for correct use and understanding of legislative standards.