India is stepping up its efforts to equip law enforcement with the necessary skills to tackle digital currency-related crime. In its annual report, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced that over 3,000 police officers received training on digital currency investigation techniques in line with global standards. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre and the Narcotic Control Bureau led the initiative to upskill law enforcement officials.
During the 2022-2023 financial year, 141 officials and over 2,800 officers participated in the training process. The MHA highlighted that attendees were trained in digital currency forensics, on-chain investigations, and asset recovery. The courses also covered other emerging technologies, such as anonymization networks, and focused on investigating the harmful use of mobile applications. Law enforcement officials received in-depth training on evidence collection from social media sources and the dark web.
The MHA plans to make this training an annual occurrence, with expectations that similar progress will be reported in 2022. The National Crime Bureau has developed a Core Training Module specifically designed for officers in different ranks and officials of civil departments.
In addition to training, India is taking further steps to combat digital currency crime by establishing a national database for global digital currency exchanges, including those operating on the dark web. The database, expected to be launched before the end of 2024, will help law enforcement authorities track and monitor suspicious activities.
While India continues to approach digital currencies with caution, the country recognizes the potential of blockchain technology. In the field of security, investigators in New Delhi are exploring the use of blockchain for forensics to prevent evidence tampering and increase transparency. Hindustan Petroleum, a state-owned oil firm, has already integrated blockchain into its purchase order system to enhance fraud prevention.
As police agencies around the world recognize the rise in virtual currency crime, they are building specialized units and providing advanced training to combat illicit activities. This proactive approach is crucial to staying ahead of bad actors in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many police officers in India received training on digital currency investigation techniques?
Over 3,000 police officers in India received training on digital currency investigation techniques in line with global standards.
2. Which organizations took the lead in upskilling law enforcement officials?
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre and the Narcotic Control Bureau led the initiative to upskill law enforcement officials.
3. What topics were covered in the training program?
The training program covered digital currency forensics, on-chain investigations, asset recovery, anonymization networks, investigations related to harmful mobile applications, evidence collection from social media sources, and in-depth training on the dark web.
4. What are India’s plans to combat digital currency crime in the future?
India plans to establish a national database for global digital currency exchanges, including those operating on the dark web, to enhance law enforcement authorities’ ability to track and monitor suspicious activities.
5. How is blockchain technology being utilized in India?
While approaching digital currencies skeptically, India is exploring the use of blockchain technology in areas such as security and fraud prevention. For example, Hindustan Petroleum has integrated blockchain into its purchase order system to enhance fraud prevention measures.