Theory and Practice of Operational-Investigative Activity in the System of Criminal Law Sciences: In Light of the Scientific Heritage of Professor K. K. Goryainov

Abstract

This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the proceedings of the All-Russian Scientific and Practical Conference "Operational-Investigative Activity in the System of Criminal Law Sciences," 

held on April 29-30, 2026, at the Research Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia (FKU NII FSIN of Russia) and dedicated to the memory of the prominent legal scholar, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Professor K. K. Goryainov.

Relevance. The relevance of the discussed issues is determined by the transformation of modern crime patterns, the migration of a significant portion of criminal activity into the information and telecommunications environment, as well as the escalating threats of terrorism and extremism.

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to conduct a critical analysis, systematization, and integration
of the theoretical perspectives, legislative initiatives, and practical recommendations presented at the conference.

Methods. The methodological framework of the study includes content analysis of conference materials and presentations, systematic, comparative legal, and formal-legal methods, as well as methods of synthesis, scientific generalization, and classification.

Results. The article constructs a comprehensive analytical picture of the current state of the theory and practice of operational-investigative activity (OIA). The key outcomes of the scientific discussion are systematized: the necessity of legislative consolidation of the authority of penal system operational units
to conduct operational-investigative measures for ensuring the penitentiary regime and crime prevention is substantiated; conceptual approaches to utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools for operational-investigative purposes are generalized; algorithms for improving undercover operations (confidential collaboration) and neutralizing the financial assets of criminal structures ("obshchaks") are formulated; proposals for the institutional development and preservation of Professor K. K. Goryainov's academic heritage (including the "Goryainov Club" initiative) are outlined.