Moldovan government officials receive training on crypto-asset investigations, organized by the OSCE. The training covers blockchain technology, crypto-asset taxonomy, and practical tracing exercises.
The OSCE's training program equips Moldovan officials with the skills to combat blockchain-based financial crimes. Image Courtesy: OSCE |
Chisinau, Moldova – October 2, 2024:
Twenty-five government officials from Moldova deepened their understanding of crypto-asset investigations during a three-day training session organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA). The event, held from September 30 to October 2, brought together experts from various Moldovan government agencies to explore the intricacies of blockchain technology and its applications in criminal investigations.
The training covered a wide range of topics, including the basics of blockchain technology, the taxonomy of crypto-assets, and the specific methods used to investigate blockchain transactions. Participants learned how to utilize both commercial and publicly available blockchain analytics tools to trace the flow of crypto-assets and identify potentially illicit activities. Interactive tracing exercises with Bitcoin and Ethereum allowed attendees to practice identifying transaction patterns and suspicious activities on the blockchain in real time.
The training session is part of the OSCE's broader efforts to assist participating States in mitigating the risks associated with virtual assets, particularly in the context of money laundering and other financial crimes. The focus on practical exercises and real-world case studies provided participants with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, enhancing their proficiency in tracing and analyzing complex blockchain transactions.
"The OSCE is fully committed to supporting Moldova and other participating States in building resilient defenses against the criminal use of virtual assets," said Kurban Babayev, Economic Adviser at OCEEA. "This training course is just one link in the chain of efforts aimed at preparing Moldovan officials to address the evolving challenges of blockchain-based financial crimes."
The training course was organized within the framework of the extra-budgetary project "Innovative Policy Solutions to Mitigate Money-Laundering Risks of Virtual Assets," implemented by OCEEA. The project is financially supported by Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States.