How the UK Crime Agency is Fighting Crypto Crimes with Blockchain Experts

UK Crime Agency is the leading organisation for fighting serious and organised crime in the country. It has a range of capabilities and powers to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks, protect the public, and secure the UK’s borders.

One of its main challenges is to deal with the growing threat of crypto crimes, which involve the use of cryptocurrencies and digital assets for illegal purposes.

To tackle this challenge, the UK Crime Agency is hiring two blockchain experts to join its newly formed Digital Assets Team.

What is the NCA and what does it do?

The NCA is the UK’s leading agency for tackling serious and organised crime. It works with partners across the UK and abroad to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks, protect the public, and secure the UK’s borders.

The NCA has a range of capabilities and powers, including intelligence, investigation, arrest, asset recovery, and cybercrime.

What are the roles of the blockchain investigators?

The blockchain investigators will be part of the newly formed Digital Assets Team within the Complex Financial Crime Team (CFCT).

The CFCT is responsible for investigating complex cases involving money laundering, fraud, corruption, and other financial crimes.

The Digital Assets Team will focus on cases involving cryptocurrencies and digital assets from a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) perspective.

POCA relates to the confiscation and redirection of crime money toward community benefit.

The blockchain investigators will oversee complex investigations involving cryptocurrency and digital assets.

They will use their expertise in blockchain analysis to identify and trace criminal transactions, follow the money trail, and provide evidence for prosecution or confiscation.

National Crime Agency’s job posting for crypto crime investigators. Source: LinkedIn

They will also liaise with other agencies, regulators, and industry partners to share information and best practices.

What are the requirements for the blockchain investigators?

The ideal candidates for the blockchain investigator roles will be existing members of the police staff who are certified accredited financial investigators (AFI). They will also have:

– Experience in conducting criminal investigations involving cryptocurrencies and digital assets

– Knowledge of blockchain technology, cryptocurrency platforms, wallets, exchanges, and protocols

– Understanding of the legislation, regulation, and guidance related to cryptocurrencies and digital assets

– Ability to use blockchain analysis tools and software

– Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills

The blockchain investigator roles are based in London and offer a salary of approximately $61,076.37 (47,380 British pounds) on top of other civil service benefits schemes.

Why is the NCA hiring blockchain investigators?

The NCA’s recruitment of blockchain investigators reflects its commitment to tackling crypto crimes and enhancing its digital capabilities.

In January 2023, the NCA formed a dedicated cryptocurrency unit — NCCU Crypto Cell — to investigate cyber incidents involving the use of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin BTC tickers down $29,226.

NCCU Crypto Cell works closely with other units within the NCA, such as the National Cyber Crime Unit (NCCU), the International Corruption Unit (ICU), and the Dark Web Intelligence Unit (DWIU).

It also collaborates with external partners such as Europol, Interpol, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and private sector entities.

NCA’s move aims to increase regulatory focus on crypto assets in the UK amid the government’s call to eliminate “dirty money” in the country.

“This is a really exciting opportunity which involves working in a team at the forefront of protecting the UK from cybercrime,” NCA infrastructure investigations director Chris Lewis-Evans told Cointelegraph at the time.

If you are interested in applying for the blockchain investigator roles or learning more about the NCA’s work on crypto crimes, you can visit their official website or follow them on Twitter.