Course Outline
Foundations of Blockchain Technology
An examination of decentralization, openness, and transparency as core architectural properties
Cryptographic primitives that secure the network: hashing, digital signatures, and Merkle trees
Consensus mechanisms including Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, and emerging alternatives
The roles of nodes, miners, and validators within live network topology
Cryptocurrency Landscape
Bitcoin and the foundational ledger model
Ethereum and account-based smart contract execution
Privacy-focused chains: Monero, Zcash, and their distinctions from transparent ledgers
The role of stablecoins, altchains, and other assets in illicit financial flows
Hands-On Lab - Reading the Blockchain
Establishing connections to Bitcoin and Ethereum nodes for live data access
Navigating block explorers and querying real-time transactions
Analyzing raw transactions, scripts, and smart contract function calls
Mapping wallet histories across transparent blockchain networks
Wallets, Keys, and Transaction Mechanics
Wallet taxonomy: web, desktop, mobile, hardware, custodial versus non-custodial solutions
Seed phrases, key derivation processes, and recovery vectors
Differences between UTXO (Unspent Transaction Output) and account-based transaction models
Analyzing addresses, change outputs, and transaction graphs from an investigator's viewpoint
Mining and Trading as Investigative Context
Mining mechanics, mining pools, hash rate dynamics, and methods used to launder or originate illicit funds
Operational differences between centralized exchanges (CEXs), decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and over-the-counter (OTC) desks
KYC and AML controls implemented by exchanges and points where they may fail
How specific trading patterns can obscure underlying corruption networks
Smart Contracts and DeFi Surface
Understanding smart contracts and the observability of their state on-chain
Core 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 identify investigative signals
Hands-On Lab - Wallet and Transaction Forensics
Inspecting hardware and software wallets within a controlled, isolated environment
Recovering and analyzing digital artifacts from seized devices
Reconstructing transaction graphs across both UTXO and account-based blockchain networks
Address Clustering and Attribution
Common-input clustering techniques and other industry-standard heuristic methods
Detecting change outputs and identifying behavioral fingerprints
Linking on-chain entities to off-chain identities using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
Integrating web crawling data, social media insights, and leaked databases for attribution
Dark Web, Marketplaces, and Criminal Cryptocurrency Flows
Mapping criminal economies operating within dark web marketplaces
Common typologies: scams, fraud, contraband trade, and sanctions evasion strategies
Tracking illicit proceeds from initial deposit through to cash-out points
Identifying indicators of crypto activity linked to corruption
Privacy-Enhancing Tools and Counter-Forensics
Analysis of mixers, tumblers, and CoinJoin implementations
Privacy coins and the inherent limitations of public-chain tracing capabilities
The use of cross-chain bridges and asset wrapping as obfuscation layers
Evaluating what data can and cannot be recovered under each privacy technique
Hands-On Lab - Tracing a Suspect Wallet
Utilizing open-source tools to follow complex transaction graphs
Clustering wallet networks and assigning confidence levels to attribution hypotheses
Documenting findings into a structured intelligence package
Money Laundering Typologies in Crypto
Adapting the classic placement, layering, and integration phases to digital assets
Layering techniques via decentralized exchanges, bridges, and mixers
DeFi protocols as laundering surfaces and methods for analyzing them
Cash-out vectors including peer-to-peer markets, OTC desks, and prepaid instruments
Ransomware, Theft, and Scam Response
Ransomware payment patterns and immediate response protocols
Negotiation strategies and recovery practices, including associated limits and risks
Analyzing exchange hacks, rug pulls, phishing attacks, and large-scale theft incidents
Collaborating with victims to preserve evidence without compromising the ongoing investigation
Cross-Chain Investigation
Tracing asset movements across Bitcoin, Ethereum, and EVM-compatible chains
Following funds through bridge protocols and wrapped token transfers
Reconciling on-chain evidence with records from exchanges and off-chain systems
Hands-On Simulation - Corruption Investigation Lab
Simulating a bribery flow spanning multiple chains and mixer services
Constructing a coherent narrative from fragmented on-chain data
Generating chain-of-custody documentation for digital evidence
AML Compliance and the Legal Landscape
FATF guidance, the Travel Rule, and relevant jurisdictional differences
AML and KYC obligations applicable to Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs)
SANctions compliance, Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), and corruption-relevant typologies
Integrating cryptocurrency-specific findings into existing corporate compliance programs
Working with Exchanges and Cross-Border Partners
Utilizing subpoenas, Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs), and information-sharing channels
Executing freezing orders, asset preservation measures, and seizure procedures
Coordinating cryptocurrency tracing efforts with traditional financial investigation lines
Digital Evidence and Courtroom Readiness
Establishing chain of custody for cryptocurrency artifacts and on-chain evidence
Presenting complex blockchain evidence to non-technical decision-makers and juries
Addressing common challenges to digital evidence admissibility and defending findings
Collaborating with expert witnesses and external technical advisors
Capstone - End-to-End Corruption Inquiry Simulation
Managing the investigation from initial intelligence tip through to full completion
Building wallet networks, attribution models, and investigative timelines
Coordinating engagement with exchanges and cross-border partners
Producing a courtroom-ready report and delivering an oral briefing
Summary and Next Steps
Requirements
- Intermediate technical literacy, including networking knowledge and basic proficiency with the Linux command-line interface
- Working understanding of cryptographic concepts, such as hashing algorithms and public-key encryption
- Professional background in financial investigation, cybersecurity, digital forensics, or regulatory compliance
- Familiarity with at least one scripting language is beneficial but not mandatory
- General comprehension of financial transaction flows and AML principles
Targeted Audience
This course is designed for investigators and forensic analysts working within anti-corruption agencies, financial crime units, and law enforcement bodies. It also targets cybersecurity specialists supporting fraud detection, AML initiatives, and digital evidence collection. Additionally, it suits compliance and risk professionals operating in regulated environments where exposure to cryptocurrency-related risks is growing.
Testimonials (1)
- like the blockchain introduction. For a blockchain newbie like me, its englighten me. - Like the technical workshop, also interesting
