Preprint article: Towards grassroots virtual justice: the role of NGOs and investigative journalism in ‘open-source intelligence’ for the purposes of investigations into corruption of politically exposed persons
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Editors
Date
2025
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Language
en
Keywords
cyberspace, e-evidence, open-source intelligence (OSINT), civilian criminal investigations, investigative journalism, EU e-evidence package, Budapest Convention, transparency, civil society
cyberprzestrzeń; dowody elektroniczne; wywiad oparty na otwartych źródłach (OSINT); obywatelskie dochodzenia karne; dziennikarstwo śledcze; pakiet UE dotyczący dowodów elektronicznych; Konwencja budapeszteńska; przejrzystość życia publicznego; społeczeństwo obywatelskie
Abstract
This paper examines the implications of cyberspace on criminal investigations, particularly regarding corruption involving politically exposed persons (PEPs). It highlights the challenges posed by the non-territorial nature of cyberspace, which complicates traditional concepts of jurisdiction and sovereignty. The study explores the growing significance of open-source intelligence and the roles of civilian actors, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and investigative journalism, in achieving criminal justice purposes. It points out the lack of a regulatory framework for civilian OSINT in the European legal environment: the Budapest Convention on cybercrime and the EU e-evidence package. The authors argue that this evolving landscape necessitates the reevaluation of classic criminal investigations, advocating for public private partnerships and outsourcing the tasks as a response to the challenges arising from the openness of cyberspace.