Crypto Research & Investigation Training

At the end of the course, participants will be equipped with all the skills and knowledge needed to successfully investigate criminal activity involving cryptocurrency use.  

Through a combination of presentations, case studies and practical exercises, the following topics will be covered: 

1. Understanding Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrency Basics: This includes learning the fundamentals of blockchain technology, how it works, its components (blocks, transactions, nodes, etc.), and its cryptographic principles. Understanding various cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, etc. Learning about their functionalities, differences, and the underlying technologies. 
2. Crypto Transactions: Learning how cryptocurrency transactions work, including how they’re initiated, processed, confirmed, and recorded on the blockchain. 
3. Wallets and Addresses: Understanding different types of cryptocurrency wallets, how they store private keys, and how public addresses are generated. 
4. Transaction Analysis with explorers: Learning how to trace and analyze cryptocurrency transactions on the blockchain, including identifying transaction inputs and outputs, following fund flows, and mapping wallet addresses. 
5. Transaction Analysis with professional tools: using specialized software to trace and analyze cryptocurrency transactions, visualize transaction flows, fund movements, and connections between wallet addresses and entities, perform risk scoring and assessment. 
6. Crypto Exchanges and Services: Understanding the role of cryptocurrency exchanges and other services in facilitating transactions. Learning how to get in contact and serve requests through informal and fomal means of communication.  
7. Regulatory Compliance: Understanding the legal and regulatory aspects of cryptocurrency investigations, including anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements. 
8. Tools and Techniques: Familiarizing yourself with tools and techniques used in crypto investigations. 
9. Case Studies and Practical Exercises: Engaging in real-world case studies and practical exercises to apply the knowledge and skills learned throughout the training. 
10. Seizure and confiscation: Understanding the legal procedures and requirements for seizing and confiscating crypto assets, including obtaining court orders, warrants, or other legal instruments authorizing asset seizure. Addressing technical challenges associated with seizing and managing crypto assets, such as securing private keys, accessing encrypted wallets, and ensuring the integrity of seized assets during storage and transfer 
11. Emerging Trends and Threats: Staying updated on the latest trends, developments, and threats in the cryptocurrency landscape, including new cryptocurrencies, technologies, and illicit activities. 

Before undertaking any course, students will be required to complete a foundation skills assessment to assist instructing staff with the overall skill and knowledge level of the participants. This score will not constitute any part of a course qualification; however, in order to attend the expert-level courses, students must achieve greater than 80% on this assessment. 

Upon completion of the course, students must obtain a minimum score of 80% on a multiple-choice skills assessment questionnaire to be eligible for a qualification. In the case of Expert level courses, students might also be required to perform a practical investigation and submit a written report. The report must meet the standards set by the course directing staff to be considered acceptable. 

Expert level courses and certifications are valid for 12 months. After that a refresher course must be taken to maintain the validity of the certification. 

The students will have access to the Expert version of Crystal for the entire duration of the course.