Crypto and DarkWeb Investigations - Digital Forensics Conference

Crypto and DarkWeb Investigations:Forensics for Financial Crime Compliance

The workshop will be led by Erin O’Loughlin, a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the financial crime compliance industry. She has worked in anti-money laundering (AML) and fraud investigations for Bank of America, proactive risk investigations for Western Union, and as an Investigations Manager for Coinbase.

Ms. O'Loughlin, speaking about the upcoming workshop for the Digital Forensics Conference, set to take place on November 4 at the Sava Centar in Belgrade, said:

This workshop provides hands-on expertise in cybercrime and financial crime investigations. Participants will first explore Dark Web Investigations & Threat Intelligence, learning how cybercriminals operate in illicit marketplaces, track ransomware groups, and navigate hidden networks.
We then dive into Digital Forensics & Blockchain Analytics, where attendees will develop skills to trace cryptocurrency transactions, uncover hidden wallets, and link digital assets to illicit activities—crucial for following financial crime trails.
Recognizing Red Flags & Illicit Patterns is another key focus, helping participants detect suspicious cryptocurrency transactions, money laundering schemes, and financial crime networks within digital ecosystems.
Lastly, we’ll cover Compliance Strategies & Regulatory Best Practices, equipping attendees with the knowledge to enhance financial crime compliance programs, monitor regulatory developments, and collaborate effectively with law enforcement.

By the end, participants will have practical investigative skills to stay ahead of evolving digital threats.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Financial crime compliance professionals

Investigators

Law enforcement

Regulators

Forensic analysts with prior knowledge of cryptocurrency and digital forensics

KEY TOPICS COVERED

Advanced Cryptocurrency Transaction Tracing (45 min)

Participants will learn how to analyze blockchain transactions, identify obfuscation techniques, trace cross-chain laundering schemes, and use forensic tools in a case study, ending with an interactive exercise on transaction analysis.

Dark Web Markets and Financial Crime (45 min)

Participants will explore dark web financial ecosystems, identify illicit goods and laundering methods, and examine how criminals monetize stolen financial data. Investigative techniques for darknet transactions will be demonstrated, concluding with a live walkthrough of dark web financial networks.

Digital Wallet Forensics & Seizure Techniques (45 min)

This session covers identifying illicit wallets, extracting and analyzing wallet data, and distinguishing custodial from non-custodial wallets. Legal aspects of digital asset seizure will be discussed, followed by a hands-on case analysis of forensic artifacts from confiscated wallets.

European Cryptocurrency Regulation, FATF Recommendations, and U.S. Virtual Asset Compliance (45 min)

Participants will examine MiCA regulations, FATF recommendations, and U.S. compliance frameworks, focusing on their impact on CASPs, DeFi, privacy coins, and enforcement trends. A case study discussion will highlight regulatory challenges and compliance strategies.

Real-World Case Studies: Investigating Financial Crime in Crypto (30 min)

An analysis of major crypto-related financial crimes, including fraud, sanctions evasion, and scams, will provide insights into emerging typologies. The session ends with a discussion on applying case learnings to active investigations.

Collaboration & Intelligence Sharing Strategies (30 min)

This session explores best practices for public-private cooperation, OSINT use in financial crime detection, and regulatory challenges in international cases. Experts will discuss trends and solutions in crypto crime compliance in a panel Q&A.

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

Equip participants with hands-on skills to trace cryptocurrency transactions, uncover hidden wallets, and analyze illicit financial activity.

Provide insights into dark web markets, laundering techniques, and investigative strategies to track cybercriminal activity.

Educate attendees on evolving crypto regulations, FATF guidelines, and best practices for financial crime compliance.

Foster cooperation between financial crime professionals, law enforcement, and regulators to combat illicit activities in the digital asset space.

Digital Forensics Conference