Virtual Currency Investigations for Law Enforcement

Cryptocurrency is rapidly becoming a factor in criminal investigations across the United States. As digital transactions and virtual assets become more common, law enforcement officers must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to properly investigate crimes involving cryptocurrency. This course introduces investigators to the world of virtual currency, explaining how cryptocurrency works, how it is used to facilitate illegal activity, and what tools are available to track and investigate digital transactions. Through real case examples and practical instruction, participants will learn how to identify, trace, and build prosecutable cases involving cryptocurrency. COURSE OBJECTIVES 1. Define Cryptocurrency – Gain a basic understanding of cryptocurrency – Learn the history and evolution of virtual currency – Explain what makes digital money “virtual” 2. Types of Cryptocurrency – Identify major cryptocurrencies and alternative coins 3. Mining and Identification – Understand how cryptocurrency mining works – Learn how blockchains operate – Identify cryptocurrency wallets – Learn methods for recognizing and locating crypto activity 4. Cryptocurrency Investments and Regulations – Overview of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – Tax responsibilities involving virtual currency – FINCEN compliance considerations 5. Cryptocurrency-Related Crimes – Fraud and scam investigations – Money laundering using crypto – Sexual exploitation and human trafficking cases – Narcotics transactions using cryptocurrency – Additional criminal offenses facilitated by virtual currency 6. Tracking and Investigating Crypto – How cryptocurrency can be traced – What happens after crypto is identified – Evidence, seizure, and investigative procedures 7. Final Review and Key Takeaways – Summary of investigation techniques – Case review and best practices