January 15 is the day of the creation of the Investigative Committee of Russia: history, traditions, congratulations

In Russia, January 15 marks the Day of the formation of the Investigative Committee (IC) of the Russian Federation. The holiday is intended to celebrate the crucial role of investigative authorities in protecting citizens' rights, uncovering serious crimes and strengthening law and order. In 2026, this day falls on Thursday and marks a special date — the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the department as an independent federal body. Izvestia tells us when the holiday appeared and how it is celebrated this year.

When is the Day of the formation of the Investigative Committee in 2026

Every year, employees of the Investigative Committee of Russia celebrate their professional holiday on a fixed date, which is timed to coincide with an important event: on January 15, 2011, Federal Law No. 403-FZ of December 28, 2010 "On the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation" entered into force, formalizing the creation of a new, independent federal government agency.

In 2026, the agency celebrates its 15th anniversary. For a decade and a half, the Russian Investigative Committee has become an integral part of the country's law enforcement system, proving its effectiveness in investigating the most complex and high-profile cases.

The day of formation of the Investigative Committee of Russia — the history of the holiday

The creation of the Investigative Committee of Russia has completed a long process of reforming the domestic investigative system, the roots of which go back to the Petrine era. The establishment of a professional holiday was a logical step, emphasizing the independent status and special importance of the department.

The first specialized investigative bodies were created in the Petrine era. In 1713, the emperor introduced the posts of "major" investigative offices to investigate the most dangerous crimes, including economic ones, which were directly subordinate to Peter I and were independent of local authorities and colleges.

In the future, the system has changed more than once. The investigative apparatus was part of the Prosecutor's Office (and even earlier, the Ministry of Internal Affairs). Since 2011, the Investigative Committee of Russia has become an independent structure. This was done to increase the effectiveness of the preliminary investigation and ensure its independence from other government agencies.

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Since its foundation in 2011, the department has been headed by Alexander Bastrykin. Under his leadership, a modern, centralized and effective investigative system was built, covering the entire territory of the country, including specialized units for investigating serious and especially serious cases.

The Chairman of the Investigative Committee is appointed by the President of Russia. Every year, he submits to the head of state a report on the implementation of state policy in the established area and the work done during the year.

Duties of employees of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation

The staff of the Investigative Committee is a unified team of specialists, which includes operational staff, forensic experts, interrogators, legal support and personnel specialists. However, the core of the department and the main procedural burden are borne by the investigators. The main areas of their work include:

• investigation of particularly serious crimes against the life and health of citizens (murder, causing serious harm);

• the fight against corruption in the highest echelons of government and on the ground;

• investigation of crimes in the economic and tax spheres;

• investigation of crimes related to terrorism and extremism;

• investigation of crimes against the government and interests of the state.

Necessary qualities and skills

To perform their professional tasks, employees of the Investigative Committee must have a unique set of qualities and skills, in particular::

• an analytical mindset for connecting disparate facts and working out different versions;

• high level of legal literacy;

• organizational skills (ability to plan, lead the actions of an operational group, delegate tasks);

• psychological stability, including in order to resist attempts of pressure and external influence.

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How to celebrate the Day of the formation of the Investigative Committee of Russia

The celebrations on January 15th include several directions. Solemn meetings and award ceremonies for the best employees are held in Moscow, at the Central Office of the Investigative Committee of Russia, as well as in all regional investigative departments. Honored investigators and criminologists receive state and departmental awards, certificates of honor and titles.

In the morning, the management and staff of the department traditionally pay tribute to colleagues who died in the line of duty. Flowers are laid at monuments and memorial plaques, including the monument to "Law Enforcement Officers who Died in the Line of Duty," erected in 1994 on Trubnaya Square in the capital.

Special attention is paid to service veterans — former investigators of the Prosecutor's Office and the Investigative Committee of Russia. Warm meetings are organized for them, where they share their invaluable experience with the young staff. Cultural and other events are also held as part of the celebration.

Cadet classes of the Investigative Committee of Russia and the Academy of the Investigative Committee of Russia often organize open days to tell applicants and their parents about the profession of an investigator, training and subsequent employment.

Congratulations on your professional holiday on January 15th

Traditionally, on the Day of the formation of the Investigative Committee, congratulations are received by investigators and interrogators, forensic experts, heads of departments, veterans of the investigation and teachers who train specialists for this responsible service. Below are some examples of congratulations.

For the investigator

"Dear investigators, On your professional holiday, we wish your work to always be filled with confidence in the correctness of the chosen path. Let your intuition never let you down, and your analytical mind helps you find solutions in the most difficult situations. I wish you good health, inexhaustible energy and peace of mind. May the warmth and support of your loved ones always await you at home!

For the head of the department

"Congratulations on your professional holiday! On the Day of the formation of the Investigative Committee, we wish you wisdom in making responsible decisions and authority in the team. Let your organizational talent continue to lead your team to new professional heights. We wish you successful implementation of all plans and projects, as well as personal well-being!"

For an expert criminologist

"Dear forensic experts! Your painstaking work in the laboratory and at the scene is the key to the success of any investigation. On your holiday, we wish that your methods are always accurate and your equipment reliable. Let your expert opinions become irrefutable evidence to help restore justice. I wish you patience, care and success in your difficult task!"

For all employees and their families

"Dear employees of the Investigative Committee of Russia and their family members! Congratulations on the 15th anniversary of the department and your professional holiday! Your work requires not only personal courage, but also great knowledge and perseverance. We wish you peace, kindness and confidence in the future. May there be harmony in your families and good luck in your service. Thank you for your dedication, happy holidays!"

For veterans of the investigation

"Dear veterans! Please accept my warmest words of gratitude on this festive day. Your experience and wisdom serve as a reliable foundation and example for all current employees. Thank you for the transferred knowledge and loyalty to the profession. I wish you good health, long life and attention from colleagues and relatives. Your contribution to the establishment of the department is invaluable!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the Prosecutor's Office Day, which was celebrated in Russia on January 12.

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