Big Data Analytics and Crypto Assets, Trends, and Investigative Techniques
(Specialty Programme)

ON-SITE

27-31 May 2024

Welcome to the Big Data Analytics and Crypto Assets, Trends, and Investigative Techniques (Specialty) Programme OECD Asia-Pacific Academy for Tax and Financial Crime Investigation

27-31 May 2024, On-site

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: asia-taxacademy@oecd.org.

Course Synopsis – Big Data Analytics

The Big Data Analytics portion of the programme provides participants with a fascinating introduction into the world of Big Data and analytical tools available to financial investigators. Throughout this course, participants will delve into the intricacies of handling vast datasets and extracting meaningful insights crucial for uncovering financial irregularities, fraud detection, and risk mitigation.

The journey begins with a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental concepts underpinning Big Data, including its characteristics, sources, and the challenges posed by its sheer volume, velocity, and variety. Participants will gain a good understanding of the role Big Data plays in the financial sector, setting the stage for in-depth discussions on its applications in investigative processes.

Moving beyond theory, the course transitions into practical aspects, equipping participants with hands-on experience in utilizing cutting-edge analytical tools tailored for financial investigations.

The course places a strong emphasis on real-world scenarios, using case studies to illustrate how big data and analytics are used to detect VAT carousel fraud, sales suppression, refund fraud, etc. Participants will apply their newfound knowledge to detect patterns, anomalies, and trends within financial datasets, honing their skills in identifying potential risks and fraudulent activities.

As the course progresses, participants will explore emerging technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence (ChatGPT), understanding their role in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of financial investigations. Practical demonstrations and exercises will empower participants to integrate these technologies into their investigative toolkit, ensuring they stay at the forefront of the rapidly evolving landscape of Big Data analytics.

By the conclusion of the program, participants will not only have a good understanding of Big Data analytics in the context of financial investigations but will also possess the practical skills needed to navigate and analyse complex datasets. This course is designed to empower financial investigators to proactively tackle challenges in the digital era, ensuring they are well-equipped to safeguard financial integrity and uphold regulatory compliance.

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 analyze 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.