CRYPTO-ACTIVES AS A NEW MEANS OF CORRUPTION CRIME: INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY MECHANISMS

Abstract

This article examines the use of digital financial assets, particularly cryptocurrencies, as new instruments for committing corruption-related crimes. The research aims to analyze the legal characterization of corruption offenses involving cryptocurrencies, evidentiary challenges, and the effectiveness of national and international criminal liability mechanisms. The relevance of the study stems from the fact that pseudonymous features of blockchain technology, decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, and privacy coins significantly complicate the identification of parties to corrupt transactions. The study employs comparative-legal, systemic-structural, formal-juridical, and statistical analysis methods. A comparative analysis of the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan and foreign countries was carried out. The results demonstrate that in many countries, the criminal-legal status of cryptocurrencies has not yet been fully defined, which complicates the qualification of corruption offenses. The research findings substantiate the need to improve national criminal legislation, expand blockchain forensics capabilities, and strengthen international cooperation mechanisms.