A dissertation defence by Kudratov Bunyod Bakhtiyorovich, Head of the Centre for Combating Cybercrime and Supporting Digital Investigations at the Institute of Digital Forensics Research under the Academy, was held at a meeting of the Scientific Council No. DSc.24/2026.31.01.Yu.01.02 under the Law Enforcement Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The dissertation, entitled “Improving the Investigation of Fraud Offences Committed Using Information Systems (Technologies),” was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law in the speciality 12.00.09 – “Criminal Procedure. Criminalistics, Operational-Search Law and Forensic Examination.”

The research substantiated the conditions for recognising electronic data as admissible evidence. It also presented proposals for maintaining a unified electronic register of certified specialists in digital forensics, algorithms for investigating fraud involving the misappropriation of funds from bank cards, and procedures for the seizure and freezing of crypto-assets.

As practical outcomes, methodological guidelines and sample procedural documents were developed for investigative practice and distributed to all investigative bodies. In addition, a draft resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court and a draft law aimed at improving the system for handling digital evidence were prepared.

By decision of the Scientific Council, Kudratov Bunyod Bakhtiyorovich was deemed worthy of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law. We congratulate our colleague on the successful defence of his dissertation and wish him continued success in his research career.