The article presents a comprehensive analysis of issues regarding the criminal law regulation of relations in the field of biotechnology. The author examines existing gaps in Russian legislation that create conditions for violations of individual rights and freedoms and give rise to threats to public safety associated with the use of modern biotechnologies. Based on an analysis of doctrinal proposals and law enforcement practice, the author substantiates the need to improve criminal legislation by incorporating the qualifying element “involving the use of biotechnology” into specific offenses and by criminalizing new socially dangerous acts committed in the field of biotechnology.