- The National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK is expanding its digital assets investigation team, seeking four senior investigators to focus on crypto-related crimes.
- The drive for expansion follows the formation of a dedicated digital assets team in January, due to an increased loss in value to crypto fraud in the UK in 2022.
Fortifying Defenses Against Crypto Crimes
In an active move to counter the menace of crypto fraud, money laundering, and other blockchain-associated crimes orchestrated by organized criminal entities, the National Crime Agency (NCA) of the United Kingdom is looking to expand its Complex Financial Crime Team. This expansion involves the recruitment of four senior investigators tasked specifically with scrutinizing such crypto-linked offenses.
These investigators are expected to collaborate closely with a surveillance team and the London police, as well as with other investigators, intelligence and analysis team members. Their role will encompass building complex cases, harnessing data and evidence from various sources.
Investigative Requirements and Incentives
The role demands a current or active Professionalising Investigation Programme Level 2 accreditation or an equivalent government-sanctioned qualification relating to investigative crime. The remuneration for this position oscillates between 34,672 and 38,314 pounds ($44,145 to $48,782.92), supplemented with additional civil service benefits.
A Focus on Illicit Crypto Activities
This endeavor aligns with the UK’s strategic efforts to assemble a dedicated team to scrutinize illicit crypto activities. On January 4, the NCA launched its digital assets team, reflecting a heightened emphasis on crypto assets. This move was precipitated by a surge in value loss due to crypto fraud in the UK in 2022. The UK’s reporting system for cybercrime and fraud noted that crypto scammers pilfered at least $287 million that year.
Consistent Recruitment Efforts
This recent recruitment drive is not a solitary effort by the NCA to bolster its crypto investigation team. On July 26, the NCA announced its search for financial investigations managers, who would supervise crypto and digital assets crime investigations under the perspective of the Proceeds of Crime Act. This act is instrumental in confiscating and redirecting crime-related money for the welfare of the community.
