Problems of proof in criminal law mechanisms countering illegal trafficking of precious and semi-precious stones, metals, and pearls

The paper presents an analysis of court practice in criminal cases involving crimes provided by Article 191 (Illegal Trafficking of Amber, Jade, or Other Semi-Precious Stones, Precious Metals, Precious Stones, or Pearls) and Article 255 (Violation of Rules for Protection and Use of Subsoil of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). The study identifies the problems of proof in law enforcement activities affecting the effective application of criminal law mechanisms and procedures for protecting the subsoil use sector. Thus, the criminal justice system is instrumental to achieve the goals of criminal prosecution of individuals for some actions covered by the above articles with minor damage (including up to RUB 500). However, judgments issued in relation to persons doing business in the studied sector often do not consider all its differences, which are nevertheless reflected in the case materials. The study of court practice in the above category of criminal cases, regulatory framework, and doctrine allowed to draw conclusions that may contribute to increased effectiveness of criminal law mechanisms and procedures to counter the illegal trafficking of precious and semi-precious stones, metals, and pearls.