Course Outline
Foundations of Blockchain Technology
An examination of decentralization, openness, and transparency as core architectural features
Cryptographic primitives securing the blockchain: hashing, digital signatures, and Merkle trees
Consensus mechanisms: Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, and emerging alternatives
The roles of nodes, miners, and validators within live network topologies
Cryptocurrency Landscape
Bitcoin and the foundational ledger architecture
Ethereum and account-based smart contract execution models
Privacy-centric chains: Monero, Zcash, and their distinctions from transparent ledgers
The role of stablecoins and alternative chains in illicit financial flows
Hands-On Lab - Navigating the Blockchain
Establishing connections to Bitcoin and Ethereum nodes for real-time data access
Navigating block explorers and querying live transaction data
Interpreting raw transactions, scripts, and smart contract calls
Tracing wallet histories on transparent blockchains
Wallets, Keys, and Transaction Mechanics
Wallet classifications: web, desktop, mobile, hardware, and custodial versus non-custodial models
Seed phrases, key derivation processes, and recovery methods
Differentiating between UTXO and account-based transaction models
Analyzing addresses, change outputs, and transaction graphs from an investigator's viewpoint
Mining and Trading as Investigative Contexts
Minig mechanics, pool structures, hash rates, and their exploitation for fund laundering or origination
Distinctions among centralized exchanges, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and over-the-counter (OTC) desks
KYC and AML controls at exchange platforms and points of failure
Analyzing trading patterns that may obscure underlying corrupt activities
Smart Contracts and the DeFi Surface
Understanding smart contracts and on-chain observability of their state
Core DeFi primitives: swaps, lending protocols, liquidity pools, and yield farming strategies
Cross-chain bridges and wrapped assets as tools for obfuscation
Extracting investigative signals from contract interactions
\rHands-On Lab - Wallet and Transaction Forensics
Inspecting hardware and software wallets in a secure, controlled environment
Recovering and analyzing digital artifacts from seized devices
Reconstructing transaction graphs across UTXO and account-based blockchain networks
Address Clustering and Attribution Techniques
Applying common-input clustering and other industry-standard heuristics
Detecting change outputs and identifying behavioral fingerprints
Linking on-chain entities to off-chain identities using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
Synthesizing web crawling, social media, and leaked data sources for attribution
Dark Web, Marketplaces, and Criminal Cryptocurrency Flows
Mapping criminal economies within dark web marketplaces
Prevalent typologies: scams, fraud, contraband trade, and sanctions evasion
Tracking proceeds from initial deposits through final cash-out stages
Identifying indicators of corruption-linked cryptocurrency activity
Privacy-Enhancing Tools and Counter-Forensic Tactics
Analysis of mixers, tumblers, and CoinJoin implementations
The capabilities and limitations of privacy coins in public-chain tracing
Cross-chain bridges and asset wrapping as layers of obfuscation
Evaluating what tracing methods can and cannot recover under various techniques
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 findings
Documenting results in the format of a structured intelligence package
Money Laundering Typologies in Cryptocurrency
Adapting placement, layering, and integration phases to digital assets
Layering strategies involving decentralized exchanges, bridges, and mixers
Analyzing DeFi protocols as laundering surfaces
Cash-out vectors: peer-to-peer markets, OTC desks, and prepaid instruments
Ransomware, Theft, and Scam Response Strategies
Understanding ransomware payment patterns and immediate response protocols
Negotiation tactics and recovery practices, including associated limits and risks
Analyzing exchange hacks, rug pulls, phishing attacks, and large-scale thefts
Collaborating with victims to preserve evidence without compromising ongoing investigations
Cross-Chain Investigation Techniques
Tracing assets across Bitcoin, Ethereum, and EVM-compatible chains
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
Simulating bribery flows across multiple chains and mixing services
Constructing a coherent narrative from fragmented on-chain evidence
Generating chain-of-custody documentation for digital evidence
AML Compliance and the Legal Landscape
FATF guidelines, the Travel Rule, and jurisdictional variations
AML and KYC obligations for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs)
Sanctions regimes, politically exposed persons (PEPs), and corruption-relevant typologies
Integrating cryptocurrency findings into existing 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 with traditional financial investigation streams
Digital Evidence and Courtroom Readiness
Maintaining chain of custody for cryptocurrency artifacts and on-chain evidence
Presenting blockchain evidence effectively to non-technical decision-makers and juries
Addressing common challenges to digital evidence and defending findings
Collaborating with expert witnesses and external technical advisors
Capstone - End-to-End Corruption Inquiry Simulation
Executing an investigation from initial intelligence tip through to conclusion
Building wallet networks, establishing attribution, and creating timelines
Engaging with exchanges and cross-border investigative partners
Producing a courtroom-ready report and delivering an oral briefing
Summary and Next Steps
Requirements
- Intermediate technical proficiency, including networking knowledge and basic Linux command-line operations
- Practical understanding of cryptographic principles such as hashing and public-key encryption
- Professional background in financial investigation, cybersecurity, forensics, or regulatory compliance
- Knowledge of at least one programming language is advantageous but not mandatory
- General comprehension of financial transactions and AML regulatory frameworks
Target Audience
Investigators and forensic analysts employed by anti-corruption agencies, financial crime units, and law enforcement bodies. Cybersecurity specialists supporting fraud detection, AML initiatives, and digital evidence analysis. Compliance and risk professionals operating within regulated environments where exposure to cryptocurrency risks is escalating.
Testimonials (1)
- like the blockchain introduction. For a blockchain newbie like me, its englighten me. - Like the technical workshop, also interesting
