Strengthening Cybercrime Investigation
India’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has taken significant strides in training its cybercrime and police officials in cryptocurrency forensics and investigation during the financial year 2022–2023. This initiative aims to address the growing rate of cybercrimes associated with the rapidly increasing adoption of cryptocurrencies.
Darknet Training and Digital Footprints
Under the auspices of the Narcotics Control Bureau, India’s chief law enforcement agency, a total of 141 officers received training focused on investigating darknet activities and cryptocurrency scams. Workshops covered a range of topics, including digital footprints and how to effectively gather intelligence from open-source information and social media.
A Nationwide Training Effort
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has also been proactive, training over 2,800 cyber police officials not just on crypto forensics but also on emerging technologies. This includes sessions on anonymization networks and the investigation of mobile applications misused in cyberspace. This vast training effort is a clear signal of India’s commitment to combating crypto-related crimes.
Exploring Blockchain’s Mainstream Use
As the nation looks to tighten its grip on cybersecurity regarding cryptocurrencies, it also delves into the mainstream applications of blockchain technology. Recently, Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL), India’s state-run oil and gas company, made headlines by launching a blockchain system aimed at ensuring automated verification of purchase orders.
Innovation through Collaboration
HPCL embarked on this initiative in collaboration with Zupple Labs, integrating blockchain’s digital credentialing technology into its purchase order system. According to a spokesperson for HPCL, this new implementation automates the verification process of purchase orders with external parties and generates tamper-evident, verifiable POs that enhance the overall integrity of their transactions.
Looking Ahead: A Crypto-Centric Future
While India addresses the challenges posed by crypto-related crimes, it simultaneously explores the potential of blockchain technology. The dual strategy of training law enforcement and embracing innovative technologies sets the stage for a progressive approach towards cybersecurity and digital currency usage in the coming years.
