The article analyzes such subject matter of the investigative procedure as monitoring and recording of telephone and other conversations. The relevance of this issue stems from the fact that the wording of Art. 186 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation does not provide a clear answer to the question of what kinds of conversations can be monitored in the course of the investigative action in question. The issue has not been resolved at the theoretical level as well, which complicates the enforcement practice greatly. Analyzing the legislative wording and using a systematic method of interpretation, the author concludes that in the course of the investigative action under Art. 186 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation, the conversations conducted solely by means of telecommunications can be controlled. It is argued that such conversations include not only voice, but also non-voice messages. The author proposes to change the wording of the legal definition of this investigative action, bringing it into compliance with both the legislation in the field of communication, and with modern realities.