The article is devoted to a theoretical interpretation of the content, grounds and procedural features of conducting secret investigative (search) actions as a criminal procedural institution and highlighting the application problems of their conduct and developing solutions. It is concluded that it is necessary to develop an effective mechanism for ensuring the rights of the participants in the production, in respect of which the SI(S)A is conducted, taking into account international standards for securing the secrecy of communication and preserving the evidentiary power of materials obtained in secret.