Evidence of cybercrime and coercive measures in Finland

Abstract

Evidence of cybercrime – a dynamic, broad, and increasingly significant criminal phenomenon – differs from evidence of traditional crime. Accordingly, novel coercive measures, other investigatory powers, tactics, and technical methods are needed in order to secure evidence of cybercrime. In Finland, the new legislation on criminal investigations, coercive measures, and other police activities expressly regulates the searches of data and various other measures and powers that are useful in collecting evidence of cybercrime. While the current legislation seems to be mostly adequate, a balance between the efficiency of criminal investigations and the rights of the individual remains hard to find and uphold. Constant adjustments are required as criminality, technology, and societies continue to evolve.

Index words: Finland; cybercrime; evidence; coercive measures; criminal investigation; search and seizure; privileged data; preservation of data