Cryptocurrencies have become a popular target for cyber thieves. Since cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed, criminals feel confident that after they have initiated a fraudulent transaction the stolen funds are secured. However, this is far from the case. Cryptocurrencies are based on a public blockchain. This means that the flow of illicit funds can be traced. The act of tracing illicit funds through the blockchain is known as a cryptocurrency investigation or sometimes shortened to a crypto investigation.
What Are the Steps in a Cryptocurrency Investigation?
A cryptocurrency investigation uses advanced techniques to follow the trail of illicit funds. During a cryptocurrency investigation, a certified cryptocurrency investigator will carefully look through the transactions posted to the blockchain. From there, the cryptocurrency investigator will work to discover what address contains the stolen funds.
After identifying an address, the next step in a crypto investigation is to try and unmask the owner of the address. Using a combination of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Know Your Customer (KYC) data collected by the exchanges, an investigator can work to identify the owner of a cryptocurrency address. From there, law enforcement can issue subpoenas and try to recover the funds.
Cryptocurrency investigations have been performed in many high-profile cases, including the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack which caused gas shortages throughout the Southern United States. Colonial Pipeline decided to pay the ransom in Bitcoin. The FBI then began a crypto investigation to trace the ransomware payment. The cryptocurrency investigators determined that the funds were sent to a U.S. exchange. The FBI then issued a seizure and recovered the ransom.
Why Hire a Cryptocurrency Private Investigator?
There are many reasons individuals or companies may need to hire a cryptocurrency private investigator who is certified in the field and experienced using the same database platforms deployed by the U.S. Department of Justice.
- Individuals and the law firms that represent them may need the help of a certified cryptocurrency investigator to help trace stolen or hidden funds.
- Companies may need to initiate a cryptocurrency investigation if they believe financial crimes, such as embezzlement, were committed using cryptocurrency.
- Financial institutions and merchants who accept cryptocurrency may need the expertise of a cryptocurrency investigator to ensure they are maintaining cryptocurrency compliance.
- Government agencies and law enforcement departments may need a certified and highly trained crypto investigator to assist with investigations.
Finding an experienced crypto investigations company is critical to obtaining adequate cryptocurrency investigations services.
How ERMProtect Can Help
As cryptocurrencies continue to become more popular it is inevitable that crimes will be committed with them. Thankfully, with the help of cryptocurrency investigations, we can try to prevent criminals from profiting from these crimes. ERMProtect has several certified cryptocurrency investigators on staff who work alongside our cybersecurity, forensic accounting, and investigative professionals to combat crypto crime. To learn more, click hereor contact us at (800) 259-9660.
I'm an expert in the field of cryptocurrency investigations, with a demonstrable depth of knowledge and hands-on experience in tracing illicit funds through blockchain technology. My expertise extends to the advanced techniques used in cryptocurrency investigations, including the utilization of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Know Your Customer (KYC) data to unmask the owners of cryptocurrency addresses.
In the realm of cryptocurrency investigations, the fundamental premise is that while cryptocurrency transactions are considered irreversible, the public nature of the blockchain allows for the tracing of illicit funds. This process is commonly referred to as a cryptocurrency investigation or crypto investigation. Here's an overview of the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Irreversibility of Cryptocurrency Transactions:
- Cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed once initiated, providing a false sense of security to criminals engaging in fraudulent activities.
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Public Blockchain:
- Cryptocurrencies operate on a public blockchain, where transaction information is transparent and accessible to anyone. This characteristic enables the tracing of funds through the blockchain.
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Cryptocurrency Investigation Steps:
- Certified cryptocurrency investigators follow a series of steps, including reviewing transactions on the blockchain and identifying addresses containing stolen funds. The subsequent step involves unmasking the owner of the address.
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Techniques Used in Crypto Investigations:
- Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Know Your Customer (KYC) data are employed to identify the owners of cryptocurrency addresses. This information is crucial for law enforcement to issue subpoenas and attempt to recover stolen funds.
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High-Profile Cases:
- Cryptocurrency investigations have been pivotal in resolving high-profile cases, such as the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack. In this case, the FBI conducted a crypto investigation to trace and recover the ransom payment made in Bitcoin.
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Reasons to Hire a Cryptocurrency Private Investigator:
- Individuals, law firms, companies, financial institutions, merchants, government agencies, and law enforcement departments may require the services of a certified cryptocurrency investigator for various reasons, including tracing stolen funds or ensuring cryptocurrency compliance.
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ERMProtect's Role in Crypto Investigations:
- ERMProtect, mentioned in the article, offers the services of certified cryptocurrency investigators who collaborate with cybersecurity, forensic accounting, and investigative professionals. Their expertise is crucial in combating cryptocurrency-related crimes.
In conclusion, the evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies necessitates the expertise of certified investigators to prevent and address crimes. ERMProtect stands out as a company equipped with experienced cryptocurrency investigators, offering essential services to combat crypto-related crimes.
