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The seizure by the U.S. Department of Justice of $3.6 billion worth of Bitcoin (BTC) lost during the 2016 hack of Bitfinexs cryptocurrency exchange has all the ingredients of a Hollywood film eye-popping sums, colorful protagonists and crypto cloak-and-dagger so much so that Netflix has already commissioned a docuseries.

But, who are the unsung heroes in this action-packed thriller? Federal investigators from multiple agencies including the new National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team have painstakingly followed the money trail to assemble the case. The Feds also seized the Colonial Pipeline ransoms paid in crypto, making headlines last year. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) seized $3.5 billion worth of crypto in 2021 in non-tax investigations, according to the recently released Chainalysis cryptocrime 2022 report.

The trends point to the diminishing ability of nefarious criminals and terrorists to use cryptocurrencies as safe havens to stash their ill-gotten gains, illicit profits, donations and funding away from law enforcement officials. For example, the Bitfinex hackers are reported to have moved a small portion of Bitcoin to darknet exchange Alphabay and from there to regular crypto exchanges. This is one of the leads that the Feds used to apprehend the defendants.

Related: How will DOJs new crypto enforcement team change the game for industry players, good and bad?

Regulators and law enforcement agencies in a select few countries have really upped the ante on blockchain forensics. Although initially lost at sea, some G-men and women have honed the playbook on the search and seizure of assets, prosecution in courts and disposal of seized digital currency after winning the case. Each of these specific steps demonstrates a deep understanding of this disruptive technology.

There are several considerations during the process of investigation, and all require an intimate knowledge of the blockchain space. The blockchains may be transparent but various techniques such as tumblers, mixers, chain hopping and structuring (doing multiple small transfers to avoid scrutiny) must be understood and analyzed. The suspects may be apprehended physically but law enforcement officials must also ensure that digital assets are not moved out of reach by the defendants or by their alleged accomplices. The seized crypto assets must be safely in custody during the pending case.

Related: Crypto in the crosshairs: US regulators eye the cryptocurrency sector

The financial cops certainly do not want the crypto assets stolen while the case is being prosecuted. Usually, confiscated crypto assets are auctioned and the proceeds go into designated government accounts. But, when there are innocent victims, a process for restitution is essential for there to be trust in the judicial system.

Blockchain analysis and forensics do not live alone on a deserted island. There are several layers of collaboration required to bring wrong-doers to justice. Firstly, the growing success of law enforcement in tracking crypto crimes is due to the tightening of Know Your Customer (KYC) norms of entities that handle fiat to crypto and crypto to fiat currency conversions. Then, there are other digital forensic technologies involved, for example, gathering data and evidence from seized mobile phones and computers.

Next, there are private sector partners that support crypto monitoring, enforcement actions and cases. There are now several companies that provide tools for blockchain intelligence such as identifying tainted wallets, assigning risk scores to wallet addresses, using analytics and artificial intelligence techniques to flag suspicious patterns and much more. With such tools and techniques, investigative agencies can be more effective. Armed with KYC information as per Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws, prosecutors and their colleagues in regulatory agencies involving securities, commodities, tax and currency matters pursue the inquiries in the real off-chain world.

Related: Lost Bitcoin may be a donation, but is it hindering adoption?

International collaboration is also critical. Criminal actors would like to keep their assets out of reach of the long arm of the law. Law enforcement agencies need to collaborate with partner agencies in other countries. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which helps harmonize rules and assists in the prosecution of money laundering and stems the funding of terrorism is an important inter-governmental policymaking body. It has made recommendations regarding virtual assets, for example, the case of the Travel Rule, but countries are still in different stages of implementing them. Such are the vagaries of sovereignty and statehood in a financial world in transition, the rules of engagement for which are still under development.

The recent success of the agencies in the U.S. and a few other countries may give the impression that law enforcement agencies everywhere are on top of blockchain forensics. In reality, specialist teams, armed with state-of-the-art blockchain analysis tools, are the exception. Many national agencies have yet to begin building capabilities in this area.

Related: FATF guidance on virtual assets: NFTs win, DeFi loses, rest remains unchanged

As of 2022, more than 50 countries have instituted either absolute or implicit bans on cryptocurrencies. Ironically, even countries that ban crypto or look at them askance will need to master blockchain analysis because digital assets easily cross borders. Watch for law enforcement agencies to hire more blockchain specialists and White Hat hackers.

The intricate dance involved in investigating the Bitfinex hack shows that they might even become BFFs. With financial crimes, the mantra for the legal authorities has always been to follow the money. The public nature of blockchain transactions actually makes it easier to track and trace criminal activity. Working with technologists who know what they are doing makes it even easier.

Crypto libertarians may not like the increased involvement of investigative agencies in the space but the writing on the wall is clear: Such guardrails are better for all involved, consumers and crypto companies alike. The industry cannot be worth trillions of dollars and not attract the watchful eye of regulators.

This article was co-authored by Kashyap Kompella and James Cooper.

This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed here are the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

Kashyap Kompella, CFA, a technology industry analyst, is CEO of RPA2AI, a global artificial intelligence advisery firm. Kashyap has a bachelors degree (honors) in electrical engineering, an MBA and masters in business laws. He is also a CFA Charter holder. Kashyap is the co-author of Practical Artificial Intelligence: An Enterprise Playbook.

James Cooper is professor of law at California Western School of Law in San Diego and research fellow at Singapore University of Social Sciences. He has advised governments in Asia, Latin America and North America for more than two and a half decades on legal reform and disruptive technologies. A former contractor for the U.S. Departments of Justice and State, he advises blockchain and other technology companies.

Read this article:
Blockchain forensics is the trusted informant in crypto crime scene investigation - Cointelegraph

Seattle police are investigating after a shooting downtown on March 2, 2022, left one person dead. (Photo courtesy of SPD Blotter)

(Photo courtesy of SPD Blotter)

An investigation is underway after a shooting in downtown Seattle on Wednesday evening left one person dead.

Seattle police officers responded to a shooting in the 1500 block of Third Avenue just after 7 p.m. Wednesday. When they arrived, they found a male victim who appeared to be in his late teens or early 20s with a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Officers began first aid, then transferred care to Seattle Fire Department medics. The victim was transferred to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition, where he later died from his injuries.

Homicide detectives were at the scene, along with detectives with SPDs Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

Anyone with information should call the Violent Crime Tip Line at 206-233-5000.

This comes days after another shooting on Third Avenue and Pine Street on Feb. 27. The victim in Sundays shooting died at the scene.

See original here:
Young man fatally shot on Third Avenue in Seattle, investigation underway - MyNorthwest

By Eric Englund | on February 25, 2022

The Barnegat Township Police Department is investigating a fatal accident that occurred Feb. 20.

Police Chief Keith Germain said that on that afternoon at 3:53, officers responded to the area of Barnegat Boulevard North and Cole Drive for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers found the driver of one of the vehicles, Alice Toriello, 59, of Barnegat unconscious and unresponsive.

Officers performed life-saving measures on Toriello, who was transported to Southern Ocean Medical Center, where she was later pronounced deceased.

The driver of the other vehicle, Rudolph Schoenberg, 28, of Waretown suffered minor injuries and declined medical attention at the scene.

Germain said the initial investigation found Toriello was attempting to make a left turn from Cole Drive onto Barnegat Boulevard when her vehicle collided with Schoenbergs vehicle, which was traveling on the northbound side of Barnegat Boulevard toward Route 9.

The Ocean County Sheriffs Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit responded for scene processing along with members of the Barnegat Police Department Traffic Safety Unit and Detective Bureau, as well as the Ocean County Medical Examiners Office.

Anyone with additional information or who witnessed the crash is asked to call Ptl. Michael Moore or Detective Jim Purcell at 609-698-5000. E.E.

Link:
Fatal Accident in Barnegat Under Investigation - The SandPaper

Let it rip! The popular Beyblade franchise is getting a live-action film adaptation.

Its been announced that Paramount Studios will be making a live-action movie based on the popular spinning toy franchise, Beyblade. Beyblade is a spinning top toy franchise initially developed by the Japanese company, Takara. Later on, the toy franchise became licensed by other companies, most notably Hasbro. The toys became immensely popular because they inspired a successful manga series, comics, anime series, and anime films, including spin-offs. The plot for almost all adaptations focuses on a Beyblade fighting tournament.

Some notable Beyblade models included the Ultimate Saizo, Spin Dragoon, Ultimate Frostic Dranzer, Gekiryu-Oh, Megaro Arm, Spark Knight, Polta, Raiden, Wing Attacker, Zinrai, and many more. The rules on how to play with the toys are also unique. Players would have their toy tops fight in arenas called Beystadiums. Beystadiums battles are similar to a Colosseum-style brawl. Additionally, each player has their Beylauncher to launch their Beyblades into action. This concept is showcased in every adaptation. With the live-action film adaptation currently in the works, it looks like we will finally see what a real Beystadium battle would look like.

The studio also announced that Veteran Producer Jerry Bruckheimer would produce the live-action adaptation. Bruckheimer is known for producing films in science fiction, fantasy, drama, and action. The veteran producer is well-known for his work on film franchises such asPirates Of The Caribbean, Bad Boys, National Treasure, and Beverly Hills Cop. Bruckheimer is also known for producing shows such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Without A Trace, Cold Case, The Amazing Race, and many more. Additionally, Writers Gavin James and Neil Widener will be doing the script for the live-action film.

RELATED: Poupelle of Chimney Town to Release on Premium VOD, Digital, and Blu-Ray in May 2022

The Beyblade live-action film does not have a director or potential release date yet. Besides having a producer and two scriptwriters, details of the films plot are still under wraps. If we had to guess the films story, it could take inspiration or nods from the manga and anime series. Hopefully, the live-action film adaptation will add to the legacy of the franchise.

What are your thoughts on Beyblade being adapted in a Hollywood film? Do you still have your Beyblades? Were you a fan of the anime and manga series? Let us know what you think in the comments below, or let us know onTwitter.

Source: Deadline

KEEP READING: Funimation Global Group Library Heading to Crunchyroll, Creating the Premier Anime Destination

Related

See the original post here:
Beyblade Getting an Unexpected Live-Action Movie Produced by the Jerry Bruckheimer for Paramount - The Illuminerdi

Okaloosa County law enforcement officers create suicide awareness video

A Fort Walton Beach police officer and Okaloosa County Sheriff's Deputy worked together to create a law enforcement mental health awareness video.

Northwest Florida Daily News

SHALIMAR Several Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office employees were recognized for their contributions to the community during the agencys annual awards ceremony Friday.

Among the 10 employees recognized was Eric Swain, who was named Deputy of the Year for his significant positive presence, impact and influence on his teammates and the residents.

OCSO deputy named Person of the Year: Northwest Florida's Person of the Year: OCSO's Lt. Demeika McClendon impacts thousands of lives

Recent undercover operation: OCSO arrests 10 men in undercover 'Operation Peek-a-Boo' targeting online child predators

A number of other accolades recognized communications employees referred to as the unsung heroes of law enforcement and those who supported OCSO Deputy Michael Neau and his family during his illness and after he passed away Sept. 5, 2021.

Each recipient is nominated by their supervisors who review their merits and achievements over the year, said Sheriff Eric Aden. A committee then decides who will be selected for each award.

Everyone at this agency deserves accolades for what they do on a day-to-day basis, said Aden, who added that it can be a tough decision. Were confident in the people who were selected this year, and Im glad for each and every one of them."

The committee considers the number of arrests, number of drugs and weapons taken off the street, and the violent crime stopped when selecting the Deputy of the Year. Many of Swains peers and supervisors nominated him for the award.

Swain said he grew up watching shows like "Law & Order" and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." It was always a career he was interested in pursuing. And when he moved to Florida in 2014, he seized the opportunity to make his childhood dreams a reality.

FWB Officer of the Year: FWB PD's Officer of Year went 'above and beyond' in response to suicidal subject call

The OCSOhired Swain in 2016, and he quickly became well-known as a solid officer and a significant resource for his supervisors and teammates," according to others at the Sheriff's Office.

As a field training officer, Swain spent more than 1,680 hours training 10 newly hired employees last year while also juggling his own casework.

He made 41 arrests and generated 88 offense reports outlining his investigations. His efforts paid off when he was promoted to investigator earlier this month.

One example of his work noted by his supervisors was his ability to identify a suspect in a number of burglaries at a local business. They also noted his constant proactive attitude, knowledge and willingness to put the shift first.

Others commented on how he is highly respected and sought out by his peers and supervisors. Some referred to him as a gentle giant someone they'd want at the scenewith them as back-up.

Deputy Swain adapts quickly when situations arise and bringsthe best out of others, his supervisors wrote in the nomination. Outside the agency, Deputy Swain is also a committed leader in the local community coaching a local T-ball team.

Swain attributed much of his success to his supervisors, who he said have taken him under their wing and helped him build on his interests and skills. Swain said he is humbled to be among those who have been selected as Deputy of the Year.

The individuals who have received that award before, theyre put on a pedestal. And to see my name with them is very humbling, he said. We come out here and we want to do a good job. All we care about is being able to say that we did a good job at the end of the day.

Three out of 10 award recipients were communications employees, which was unique to 2021. Aden said the awards are a testament to the accomplishments of the communication division last year.

Theyre the unsung heroes. People oftentimes dont see them and they dont get the luxury of seeing the outcome of the case, hesaid. Wherein they are still having to deal with the stress and PTSD all of it. Trying to give us accurate information and dispersing that,they are the engine and were the body of the car.

New 911 technology: Saving time and lives: 'Groundbreaking' new technology automatically locates 911 callers

Jade Prokop joined the OCSO in 2017 and was selected as the Communications Officer of the Year for her quality of work, can-do attitude, and tenacity."

Her supervisors noted her ability to cross-train on every facet of dispatching, including law enforcement, fire and EMS, and called Prokop invaluable to our operations.

Administrative Employee of the YearChristine Cooperand Supervisor of the YearRyan Duvalalso were recognized for their impact on the communications division.

Investigator Mike Hogan, who joined the Sheriffs Office in 2016 after a long career with the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, was selected as Investigator of Year, with his supervisors calling him one of the most experienced investigators on staff.

More about the 2005 cold case: Cold case solved: Suspects in 2005 Fort Walton Beach shooting now in custody

After countless hours spent investigating a cold case homicide from 2005, Hogan applied for and was granted four arrest warrants. The final two of four suspects were arrested in October2021 for the fatal shooting, which was believed to be the result of a drug-related home invasion robbery attempt.

Deputy Tori Mason was recognized as School Resource Officer of the Year. Among her many accomplishments in 2021, Mason was able to crack a case at Niceville High School where students were stealing school property as a part of a TikTok challenge.

Deputy Mason recognized for helping family: Okaloosa deputy helps family get Christmas lights back on, now being recognized

She also was a friendly face to many students. Her presence and efforts to play a role in her students lives made an impact last year when she was able to prevent a student from taking his own life.

Many of those who offered support after the Sheriff's Office experienced a tragedylast year also were recognized for their actions.

Chaplain Tim Sheldon, who was named Outstanding Volunteer of the Year, spent more than 275 volunteer hoursperforming hospital visits, shift briefings, and planning and conducting funerals.

Much of his time also was devoted to Deputy Michael Neaus family after he became sick. Sheldon spent many hours running errands so the family could visit Neau in the hospital, and his assistance was "pivotal in funeral planning," according to the OCSO.

Read more about Deputy Neau: Community funeral service today for fallen Okaloosa County Deputy Michael Neau

Heather Rominger, a longtime court transport deputy, also became a source of support for the Neau family. Rominger was selected as Administration Bureau Sworn Outstanding Performer of the Year. She was nominated for caring deeply for her peers.

Rominger raised funds for the Neau family and volunteered to help collectdata needed to show Neau contracted his illness while serving in his official capacity.

His family became eligible for proper entitlements after Rominger helped prove it was a line-of-duty death. Neaus wife asked to add a few words about the impact of Romingers support in her nomination, which was read aloud at the awards ceremony.

She checked on me and the girls and helped with everything we needed, she wrote. I couldnt have gotten through, especially the first month, without her by my side. Heather is family now. The girls love her. I love her. And she has been the best thing for us.

Aden said the year was challengingfor the Sheriffs Office amid the impacts of COVID-19 and after losing one of their own. But the agency continued to function and keep the public safe with the efforts of those who were recognized and many others at the Sheriffs Office.

I want to thank our public. I want to thank our community leaders, our municipality leaders that we work with on a daily basis, Aden said. If it wasnt for the support that we get from those entities we would not continue to be successful. We are a product of the professional service that we provide, but we certainly get the support back from all of those entities.

Read the rest here:
Meet the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Deputy of the Year Eric Swain - The Northwest Florida Daily News