The research explores the scientific approach to the concept and essence of the forensic characteristics of crimes, the concept’s formation history, and also draws attention to the role and place of this scientific category in the theory of modern forensic science. The article emphasizes that the forensic characteristic, which is an independent element of a private forensic methodology for investigating crimes, is one of the basic concepts of forensic theory and practice. The author notes that the phrase “forensic characteristics of crimes” should be understood as an ordinary data system on the elements of certain types of crimes and their mechanisms. Concerning specific crimes, it is necessary to consider the issue of the forensic information system for a specific offence, which is reduced to the subject of the investigation. The article emphasizes the importance of the category of “forensic characteristics of a crime” for countering novel criminal offences, among which the author highlights cybercrime. There is no doubt that this concept of the forensic characteristics of crimes is capable of investigating the main practical goals, including new elements of criminal offences, along with the solution of scientific tasks for the disclosure, investigation and prevention of crimes. As a result, the author concludes that it is precisely the concept of the forensic characteristics of crimes formulated in the article that, along with the solution of scientific tasks for the disclosure, investigation and prevention of crimes, is capable of Вестник Инновационного Евразийского университета. 2020. № 2 ISSN 1729-536X 67 implementing tasks related to the main practical goals of the investigation, including new elements of criminal offences.