investigations

The DOJ’s Retreat from Crypto Enforcement: A Double-Edged Sword

April 11, 2025April 11, 2025 Jorge Santos

In a significant policy shift, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has disbanded its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET), signalling a move away from broad regulatory actions against the cryptocurrency industry. This decision, aligned with the Trump administration’s pro-crypto stance, aims to reduce what it perceives as regulatory overreach and foster innovation in the digital asset space. A Cause for Concern: Potential Rise in Crypto Scams While the intention to support innovation is notable, the move raises concerns about the potential for increased crypto-related scams and fraudulent activities. The NCET…

From Garantex to Grinex: A case study in crypto sanctions evasion and brand resurrection

April 4, 2025April 4, 2025 Jorge Santos

In March 2025, the global crypto community witnessed a major enforcement action as U.S. and European authorities took down Garantex, a Russia-linked cryptocurrency exchange accused of facilitating money laundering, ransomware payouts, and darknet market activity. Just weeks after the domain seizure and public takedown, a suspicious exchange emerged under a new name: Grinex. This article dives deep into how Garantex rebrand and bypass sanctions, why this matters for global crypto regulation, and how investigators can spot and stop these evasive tactics. Who was Garantex? Founded in 2019 and operating primarily…

I Caught You, Pervert! Phishing Scams and How to Protect Yourself

January 31, 2025January 31, 2025 Sven Martinsson

Earlier this week I was contacted by an old friend who was nervous about potentially having been hacked. The message read something like this: “I got this email saying they caught me doing something disgusting. They claim to have hacked my accounts and want Bitcoin, or they’ll share everything with my friends and family. They sent it from my own email address! Is this real? Am I screwed?” We met up at a café in a grey and rainy Helsinki, her laptop and phone between us, the screen still displaying…

The World of High-End Investigators: A Glimpse Into Financial Crime, Cyber Threats, and Counterterrorism

January 14, 2025January 14, 2025 Sven Martinsson

When you hear the term “private investigator,” your mind might conjure images of trench coats, dark alleys, and grainy surveillance photos. But in the world of high-end investigators, it’s a whole different game. Forget the noir clichés—these specialists operate at the bleeding edge of technology and law enforcement, tackling challenges like financial crime, corporate espionage, and counterterrorism. This isn’t about catching cheating spouses or tracking down lost pets. High-end investigators are the professionals called in when millions are missing, secrets are stolen, or entire organisations are compromised. Who Are These…

Enhancing Crypto Forensics: AI, Expertise, and Outsourcing

April 16, 2024January 8, 2025 Jorge Santos

Introduction to the Case Blockchain forensics have linked Roman Sterlingov as the operator of Bitcoin Fog, a service that mixes Bitcoin transactions to conceal their origins and destinations. These kinds of entities are usually used to ease money laundering activities. This article presents a snapshot of Sterlingov’s detention and the charges that led to his legal issues, illustrating the intricacies of digital currency operations and the regulatory frameworks that govern them. Understanding Bitcoin Fog Bitcoin Fog was a cryptocurrency mixing service that aimed to enhance anonymity for Bitcoin users. The service worked by pooling…

Introduction to Crypto Investigations and AI

March 3, 2024January 8, 2025 Jorge Santos

Cryptocurrencies have transformed the financial landscape, disrupting traditional banking systems. As their adoption grows, so do the challenges associated with them. This article explores how the intersection of crypto investigations and artificial intelligence (AI) is a major step against illicit activities. Understanding Cryptocurrency What Is Cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that leverage blockchain technology for pseudonymity, transparency, security, and decentralization. While not widely adopted for everyday transactions, they attract attention and investment. Fundamental concepts Crypto Investigations What Is a Crypto Investigation? Cryptocurrency investigation is about tracing digital asset movement and connecting…