Maputo (Mozambique), 20 September 2024 – The rise of cryptocurrencies has provided drug traffickers with sophisticated ways to conceal their activities, posing a major challenge for law enforcement.
In response, UNODC and the National Police of France jointly led a comprehensive training program in Mozambique to equip 20 officials, among which investigators, prosecutors, and anti-corruption officials, with know-how to address this threat more effectively.
Participants were introduced to blockchain technology, learning how it underpins cryptocurrency transactions and how criminals exploit it.
They explored key elements such as hashing, mining, and the use of digital wallets. This foundational knowledge allowed them to grasp how traffickers use these tools to hide their operations.
The course also covered advanced Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques, teaching participants to extract information from public online sources like websites, forums, and social media.
This skill set is essential for building profiles of individuals or networks involved in drug trafficking, especially those using the Darknet to avoid detection.
By combining OSINT with blockchain analysis, the investigators gained a deeper understanding of how to uncover hidden connections within cyber-enabled drug trafficking networks.
Importantly, the training offered hands-on exercises, where participants practiced some of the skills covered by the training, ensuring appropriation of knowledge.
"This training is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Mozambique's ability to tackle drug trafficking in the digital age," explains the Regional Coordinator of UNODC's Global Programme on Cybercrime.
"The use of the Darknet for drug sales, particularly involving synthetic opioids, is rising, making the ability to track cryptocurrency transactions an essential tool for Mozambican authorities," she added.
Building these skills enhances investigators and prosecutors’ capacity to follow digital trails, collaborate with international partners on cross-border investigations, and adapt to the evolving challenges posed by cyber-enabled crime.
Through its Global Programme on Cybercrime, UNODC supports law enforcement agencies worldwide through tailored technical assistance and capacity building, supporting Member States in keeping pace with the rapid evolution of criminal tactics in cyberspace.