Review of Digital Currencies: investigative challenges, ACFE Sydney Chapter event

Seated in the new office surrounds of OFX, the audience at the recent February 2016 ACFE Sydney Chapter Session would have heard a pin drop due to their keen interest in the presentation.  The topic ‘Digital currencies: investigative challenges’ was presented by Dr Angela Irwin, a cybersecurity expert from the Department of Security Studies and Criminology, Macquarie University. Dr Irwin’s current research involves examining the use of crypto-currencies for funding violent jihad.

Dr Irwin led the audience through the current issues and emerging trends concerning digital currencies, the emerging weaknesses in pinpointing perpetrator location and the difficulties in offshore investigation of the digital currency trail in multiple jurisdictions.  Dr Irwin’s use of data and network analysis illustrated the complicated web of digital currency movement facilitated by computer networks across the globe, the challenges that different technologies presented for investigators  and the increasing threats and opportunities for financing terrorism.  Copious notes were taken and interesting and pertinent questions and answers followed Dr Irwin’s presentation. During the networking session that followed, attendees enjoyed refreshments and the general consensus was that this seminar was one they were glad to have not missed.