The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) is forming a specialized Digital Assets team within its Complex Financial Crimes Team (CFCT) to combat cryptocurrency-related crimes. They are currently recruiting two blockchain investigators for this new team. The main focus of these investigators will be to oversee complex investigations involving cryptocurrencies and digital assets from the perspective of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), which involves confusing criminal funds and redirecting them for the benefit of the community. The ideal candidates are expected to be existing police officers with accreditation as accredited financial investigators (AFI) and should possess experience in blockchain analysis, criminal investigations, and a comprehensive understanding of relevant legislation, among other qualifications.
The salary for these positions is approximately £47,380 ($61,076.37), and selected candidates will receive other benefits offered to civil service employees. The NCA had previously established a cryptocurrency unit, the NCCU Crypto Cell, in January 2023, with the aim of investigating cyber incidents involving cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
This move by the NCA reflects the increasing regulatory attention towards crypto assets in the UK, responding to the government's efforts to combat "dirty money" within the country. Chris Lewis-Evans, the director of infrastructure investigations at the NCA, expressed that this opportunity the city to work in the forefront of protecting the UK from cybercrime is a highly exciting prospect for the selected investigators.
