Covert and technical measures of surveillance and investigation in criminal procedure, with special focus on the interception of telecommunications

Abstract

Secret and technical surveillance and investigation measures represent one of the most important mechanisms of modern criminal procedure for detecting, preventing, and prosecuting criminal offences. This paper examines the legal and practical significance of these measures, with particular attention to the interception of telecommunications as one of the most effective tools in combating organized crime, corruption, and other serious criminal offences.In this context, the paper addresses the procedures for authorizing interceptions, the competencies of responsible institutions, the role of the Monitoring Center within the Kosovo Police, the police sector responsible for interceptions, as well as the function of the Liaison Unit in the Office of the State Prosecutor. The study relies on analytical, descriptive, and comparative methods, through which domestic legal provisions are examined and compared with the legislation of Albania, Croatia, and Germany regarding the use of covert investigation measures and the protection of human rights.In conclusion, the paper emphasizes the need to strengthen institutional oversight and control mechanisms, as well as to further harmonize domestic legislation with European standards for the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms.