Special investigative actions in Baltic countries

Abstract

The authors in this paper deal with special investigative actions in Baltic countries. Special investigative measures today represent one of the most important measures in the fight against serious criminal offences, but its improper use endangers fundamental human rights, especially the right to privacy and the right to a fair trial. The article is divided into three main parts. After the introductory remarks, the authors elaborate the Lithuanian criminal procedure legislation, which influenced development of the European Court of Human Rights's jurisprudence in the field of the undercover investigator. Latvian solutions are explained in the next part and its main characteristic are numerous special investigative measures. Finally, the authors explain Estonian legislation. The authors specifically consider and analyse the positions of the European Court of Human Rights through judgments rendered in this field. A wide range of special investigative actions indicates their diversity, but mostly the solutions of all three legal frameworks are in line with the standards of the European Court of Human Rights.