Cash Economy Investigations and an Insight into Crypto Assets
(Specialty Programme)

VIRTUAL

8-17 July 2024

Welcome to the Virtual Cash Economy Investigations and an Insight into Crypto Assets (Specialty) Programme OECD Africa Academy for Tax and Financial Crime Investigation

8-17 July 2024, Zoom platform

The purpose of this site is to provide a collaborative web space for sharing course materials, ideas, and information. This space also facilitates ongoing networking among participants through the participants list. For further information or to make a request to upload materials, please contact the Tax Crime Academy Secretariat at: africa-taxacademy@oecd.org and oecd.academy@kra.go.ke.

Course Synopsis- Cash Economy Investigations

The Cash Economy Investigations part of the programme provides participants with an insight into some of the latest methods criminals are using to suppress/divert cash sales. Throughout the course participants will be given practical examples of current trends and some of the tools and techniques available to investigate tax crimes and financial crimes. From uncovering financial irregularities with an insight into the effective handling and application of intelligence, to the calculation of liabilities where financial records may be incomplete or non existent and the practical application of tools and techniques available to achieve effective results. The journey begins with an insight into the intelligence community demonstrating some of the data available, how to handle this data and how to apply the information in a practical sense to build cases. Time will also be spent on the use of the Indirect Verification/Net Worth Technique to identify shortfalls in declared income. In some jurisdictions this may also be known as the preparation of Capital Statements. In addition an insight will be given into some of the tools and techniques available to investigate cash diversion cases and how to apply the results. The course also places strong emphasis on real world scenarios and case examples which will facilitate participant input and discussion around how the cases were identified, how they were investigated, what techniques were used and what issues or problems were encountered in doing so. Some of the case examples will also illustrate how those perpetrating the fraud moved their money and endeavoured to introduce cash defalcations into the financial arena in order to legitimise the proceeds of their criminality. Time will also be given to the securing international cooperation as part of the investigation and subsequent asset recovery action, again exploring the challenges in this area and how best to deal with these.

Course Synopsis – Crypto Assets

The Crypto Assets portion of the programme offers financial investigators a comprehensive exploration into the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies, providing a foundational understanding of key elements such as Bitcoin, blockchain technology, digital wallets, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and the unique challenges posed by crypto- related frauds. Participants will embark on a journey that demystifies the intricacies of cryptocurrencies, beginning with an in- depth examination of the workings behind leading digital currencies like Bitcoin. This includes understanding blockchain technology, the decentralized ledger that underpins these assets, and how transactions are securely recorded and verified. The course delves into the practical aspects of crypto asset management, exploring the various types of digital wallets and storage devices used to safeguard these assets. Participants will gain hands-on experience in navigating the complexities of wallets, enhancing their ability to trace and analyse transactions—a crucial skill for financial investigators. Special emphasis will be placed on the emerging landscape of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), providing participants with insights into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by these digital assets. Through case studies and practical exercises, investigators will learn to navigate the decentralized and pseudonymous nature of crypto transactions, gaining the skills necessary to track and trace funds effectively. The program addresses the darker side of crypto assets, focusing on frauds committed within the crypto space. Participants will explore common schemes, scams, typologies, and illicit activities associated with cryptocurrencies, equipping them with the knowledge to detect and prevent financial crimes. By the end of the program, participants will possess a good understanding of crypto assets, from the fundamentals of blockchain technology to the complexities of investigating fraud within the crypto space. This course aims to empower financial investigators to navigate the challenges of this digital frontier effectively, ensuring they are well-equipped to address the unique complexities of crypto-related financial crimes.

Relevant Publications

Click here for a full list of OECD publications and reports on tax and crime

• Fighting Tax Crime - The Ten Global Principles, Second Edition

• Combatting Tax Crimes More Effective in APEC Economies

• Tax Crime Investigation Maturity Model

• Ending the Shell Game: Cracking down on the Professionals who enable Tax and White Collar Crimes

• Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Awareness Handbook for Tax Examiners and Tax Auditors

• Improving Co-operation between Tax Authorities and Anti-Corruption Authorities in Combating Tax Crime and Corruption

• Effective Inter-Agency Co-Operation in Fighting Tax Crimes and Other Financial Crimes (Third Edition)

• Shining Light on the Shadow Economy: Opportunities and threats

• Technology Tools to Tackle Tax Evasion and Tax Fraud

• Bribery and Corruption Awareness Handbook for Tax Examiners and Tax Auditors

• A Beneficial Ownership Implementation Toolkit

Tax and Crime E-learning modules

Click here for a full list of online courses currently available and a direct link to the registration portal (KSPta).

• Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Indicators: a handbook for tax auditors and tax examiners. (60 min)

This e-learning module provides specific money laundering and terrorist financing indicators that will help auditors and examiners identify these activities during the course of their normal tax audits. The course, which includes a great number of case studies, describes the nature of money laundering and terrorist financing activities, emphasizes the roles of auditors and examiners in countering these practices, and describes practical resources and tools that are available for effective detection and deterrence. The course is based on the OECD publication ‘Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Awareness Handbook for Tax Examiners and Tax Auditors’. Register for free and obtain your OECD certificate. Register here.

• Fighting Tax Crime: The Ten Global Principles (60 min)

The Fighting Tax Crime: Ten Global Principles sets out the 10 essential principles for effectively fighting tax crimes. It covers the legal, institutional, administrative, and operational aspects that countries should put in place in order to fight effectively tax crimes and other financial crimes. The principles were designed drawing on the insights and experience of jurisdictions around the world. The purpose is to allow jurisdictions to benchmark their legal and operational framework, and identify areas where improvements can be made. Register here.

• The Tax Crime Investigation Maturity Model (60 min)

The Tax Crime Investigation Maturity Model aims to help jurisdictions understand where they stand in the implementation of the OECD's Fighting Tax Crime: The Ten Global Principles, based on a set of empirically observed indicators. By setting out indicators for each increasing level of maturity, the model also charts out an evolutionary path for future progress towards the most cutting-edge practices in tax crime investigation across four levels of maturity: Emerging, Progressing, Established and Aspirational. This e-learning module will introduce you to the Maturity Model self-assessment tool, explaining why it is useful and allowing you to understand the four different levels of maturity and how to evaluate them in practice. The module also provides practical visualisations to understand how to conduct the assessment in practice, and how to organise a self-assessment workshop. Register here.