Course Outline
Foundations of Blockchain Technology
Exploration of decentralization, openness, and transparency as core architectural attributes
Security mechanisms underpinning the chain: hashing algorithms, digital signatures, and Merkle trees
Consensus protocols: Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, and emerging alternatives
Roles of nodes, miners, validators, and the topology of live networks
Cryptocurrency Landscape
Bitcoin and its foundational ledger architecture
Ethereum and account-based smart contract execution models
Privacy-centric chains: Monero, Zcash, and distinctions from transparent ledgers
The role of stablecoins, altchains, and their involvement in illicit financial flows
Hands-On Lab - Reading the Blockchain
Establishing connections to Bitcoin and Ethereum nodes for real-time data access
Navigating block explorers and querying live transaction data
Analyzing raw transactions, scripts, and smart contract invocations
Tracing wallet histories on transparent blockchain networks
Wallets, Keys, and Transaction Mechanics
Classification of wallets: web, desktop, mobile, hardware, custodial versus non-custodial models
Seed phrases, key derivation processes, and recovery mechanisms
Comparison of UTXO and account-based transaction frameworks
Understanding addresses, change outputs, and transaction graphs from an investigator's viewpoint
Mining and Trading as Investigative Context
Mining operations, pool structures, hash rate dynamics, and exploitation for fund laundering or origin
Market structures: centralized exchanges, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and over-the-counter (OTC) desks
KYC and AML controls at exchanges and common failure points
Analyzing trading patterns to identify concealed corruption flows
Smart Contracts and DeFi Surface
Definition of smart contracts and methods for on-chain state observation
DeFi primitives: token swaps, lending protocols, liquidity pools, and yield farming mechanisms
Cross-chain bridges and wrapped assets utilized as obfuscation techniques
Analyzing contract interactions to extract investigative intelligence
Hands-On Lab - Wallet and Transaction Forensics
Examination of hardware and software wallets within a secure, isolated environment
Recovery and analysis of digital artifacts from seized devices
Reconstruction of transaction graphs across UTXO and account-based chains
Address Clustering and Attribution
Application of common-input clustering and other industry-standard heuristic methods
Detection of change outputs and identification of behavioral fingerprints
Connecting on-chain entities to off-chain identities via Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
Leveraging web crawling, social media, and leaked databases for attribution
Dark Web, Marketplaces, and Criminal Cryptocurrency Flows
Mapping criminal economies operating on dark web marketplaces
Common typologies: scams, fraud schemes, contraband sales, and sanctions evasion
Tracking illicit proceeds from initial deposit to cash-out stages
Indicators of cryptocurrency activity linked to corruption
Privacy-Enhancing Tools and Counter-Forensics
Analysis of mixers, tumblers, and CoinJoin implementations
Privacy coins and the limitations of public-chain tracing methods
Cross-chain bridges and asset wrapping as layers of obfuscation
Evaluating the recoverability of data under each obfuscation technique
Hands-On Lab - Tracing a Suspect Wallet
Utilizing open-source tools to trace complex transaction graphs
Clustering wallet networks and assigning confidence levels to attribution results
Structuring findings into a comprehensive intelligence package
Money Laundering Typologies in Crypto
Adaptation of placement, layering, and integration phases to digital assets
Layering strategies involving decentralized exchanges, bridges, and mixers
DeFi protocols as laundering surfaces and methods for their analysis
Cash-out vectors: peer-to-peer markets, OTC desks, and prepaid instruments
Ransomware, Theft, and Scam Response
Analysis of ransomware payment patterns and immediate response protocols
Negotiation and recovery practices, including associated limits and risks
Addressing exchange hacks, rug pulls, phishing attacks, and large-scale thefts
Collaborating with victims to preserve evidence while maintaining investigation integrity
Cross-Chain Investigation
Tracing assets across Bitcoin, Ethereum, and EVM-compatible networks
Following funds through bridges and wrapped token mechanisms
Reconciling on-chain evidence with exchange records and off-chain data
Hands-On Simulation - Corruption Investigation Lab
Simulation of a bribery flow spanning multiple chains and a mixer
Constructing a coherent narrative from fragmented on-chain evidence
Generating chain-of-custody documentation for digital evidence
AML Compliance and the Legal Landscape
FATF guidance, the Travel Rule, and jurisdictional variations
AML and KYC obligations for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs)
Sanctions, politically exposed persons (PEPs), and corruption-relevant typologies
Integrating cryptocurrency findings into existing compliance frameworks
Working with Exchanges and Cross-Border Partners
Utilizing subpoenas, Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs), and information-sharing channels
Executing freezing orders, asset preservation, and seizure procedures
Coordinating cryptocurrency tracing with traditional financial investigation efforts
Digital Evidence and Courtroom Readiness
Maintaining chain of custody for cryptocurrency artifacts and on-chain evidence
Presenting blockchain data effectively to non-technical decision-makers and juries
Addressing common challenges to digital evidence and defending analytical findings
Collaborating with expert witnesses and external technical advisors
Capstone - End-to-End Corruption Inquiry Simulation
Conducting a full investigation from initial intelligence tip to conclusion
Building wallet networks, performing attribution, and establishing timelines
Liaising with exchanges and cross-border partners
Delivering a courtroom-ready report and oral briefing
Summary and Next Steps
Requirements
- Intermediate technical proficiency, including networking knowledge and basic Linux command-line operations
- Familiarity with cryptographic principles such as hashing and public-key encryption
- Background experience in financial investigation, cybersecurity, digital forensics, or compliance
- Knowledge of at least one scripting language is advantageous but not mandatory
- General understanding of financial transactions and AML frameworks
Targeted Audience
This course is tailored for investigators and forensic analysts within anti-corruption agencies, financial crime units, and law enforcement bodies. It also serves cybersecurity specialists supporting fraud prevention, AML initiatives, and digital evidence operations. Additionally, it addresses compliance and risk professionals operating in regulated sectors with increasing exposure to cryptocurrency-related activities.
Testimonials (1)
- like the blockchain introduction. For a blockchain newbie like me, its englighten me. - Like the technical workshop, also interesting
