07-08 June 2018 A 2-Day training course was held in Argentina as an important step in giving several State agencies methods and tools to address the investigation of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin
After a first successful training in Colombia, UNODC CRIMJUST, GPML and the Ministry of Security in Argentina collaborated to hold a second session of the cryptocurrency investigation training in the region.
The aim of this practical course was to enhance represented National agencies understanding of cryptocurrencies and ability to conduct bitcoin tracing for financial analysis and investigative purposes. Participants attending this computer-based training course included investigators from law enforcement (including counter-narcotics units), and financial intelligence units.
Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, are being increasingly used to launder criminal proceeds and particularly drug trafficking proceeds. This session in Argentina was a first step of providing investigators and prosecutors methods and tools to answer this growing phenomenon.
During the training, participants from Argentina and Peru had the opportunity to operate with real Bitcoin transactions. They also gain understanding on the comprehensive process of how to use investigation tools for bitcoin transactions and analysis of blockchains. A consequent part of the training was dedicated to practical exercises of Bitcoin tracing on Chainalysis Reactor, one of the leading software in this field.
According to the majority of participants, the training course provided the opportunity to expand the knowledge regarding the connection among deep web, cryptocurrencies and organized crime. They highlighted In addition, several suggested similar advanced initiatives tailored to deliver an in-depth analysis on the use of available software/tools related to cryptocurrency tracing.
Under the framework of the CRIMJUST project funded by EU Cocaine Route Programme, UNODC and its partners (INTERPOL and TI) aim to assist Member States to enhance their capacity and integrity of criminal justice institutions to detect, investigate, prosecute and adjudicate illicit cocaine trafficking cases, and to foster cooperation at the interregional level for effective action to tackle drug trafficking and related organized crime.
For more information:
- European Union "Cocaine Route Programme"
- Ministry of Security Argentina
- GPML
