Specific Features of Investigating Crimes Committed with the Use of Cryptocurrency

The current article examines the specifics of investigating crimes directly involving cryptocurrencies. The rapid development of technology and the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies have unfortunately led to an increase in the number of crimes involving their use. The author stresses that the spread of cryptocurrencies in different spheres of public life makes it increasingly urgent to develop effective measures aimed at counteracting their use for criminal purposes. The topicality of this study is connected with the necessity to develop effective methods of investigating such offences. Crimes involving cryptocurrencies are often transnational and require a complex approach. The author analyzes the existing practices and offers recommendations on improving the crime investigation mechanisms. The author claims that the process of investigating such crimes poses multiple difficulties to law enforcement bodies that could considerably complicate or even endanger the process. It is connected with the unique features of cryptocurrencies and the relative novelty of this technology. The main goal of the article is to study the specific features of investigating crimes involving cryptocurrencies and to offer ways of improving the methods and strategies used by the investigative bodies in this sphere. The author used both quantitative and qualitative methods in the conducted analysis. Different practices of investigating cryptocrimes are compared, and the court practice on crimes involving cryptocurrencies is examined. The conducted research allowed the author to identify key problems and difficulties that law enforcement bodies face in the investigation of crimes involving cryptocurrencies. Besides, the author offers specific recommendations on improving the effectiveness of the investigation, including the use of modern analytical instruments and the development of international cooperation. The author stresses that the existing methods of investigating crimes involving cryptocurrencies require further improvement. The effective solving of such crimes is only possible if integrating new technologies are integrated, and a legislative and operative basis for a closer cooperation between different countries is established. The author concludes that it is necessary to support and develop specialized anti-criminal platforms that could considerably improve the chances of a successful investigation and prevention of crimes in this rapidly developing sphere.