Procedural Complexities in Cybercrime Investigation:

Cybercrime investigation presents unique procedural challenges that fundamentally distinguish it from traditional criminal investigation. This study examines the complexities of digital evidence management in cybercrime cases, with particular focus on the Lebanese legal framework within comparative international perspectives. The research analyzes the distinctive characteristics of cybercrime investigation, the nature and challenges of digital evidence collection, technical methods employed for evidence extraction, and the procedural obstacles encountered in cross-border contexts. Findings reveal critical inadequacies in traditional investigative procedures when applied to cybercrime, stemming from the volatile nature of digital evidence, requirements for specialized technical expertise, privacy protection concerns, and jurisdictional complications in transnational cases. The study demonstrates that Lebanese law, despite judicial attempts to adapt traditional penal provisions, lacks comprehensive procedural frameworks specifically designed for cybercrime. Through comparative analysis with international conventions (Budapest Convention, Arab Convention on Combating Information Technology Crimes) and regional legislation (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt), this research identifies critical gaps in investigation procedures, evidence legitimacy standards, and technical capacity. Key findings emphasize urgent needs for: specialized cybercrime investigation units with technical training; clear legal frameworks for digital evidence collection and chain of custody; enhanced international cooperation mechanisms; and legislative reforms addressing unique procedural requirements of digital forensics. This research contributes to limited Arabic legal scholarship on cybercrime procedure and provides practical recommendations for Lebanese legislative development.