From bank transfers to crypto wallets: ESBU draws on Dutch experience in asset tracing

 How to trace the movement of funds across borders, uncover hidden assets, and link cryptocurrency transactions to specific individuals—these were the challenges tackled by specialists of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine (ESBU) together with their Dutch counterparts in Amsterdam. The practical training was built around real criminal proceedings, presented with full anonymisation.

The training took place as part of the fourth in-person mission under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's “Tax Inspectors Without Borders – Criminal Investigations” programme. The mission was organised by the Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service (FIOD), with support from the Netherlands' Constituency Program of the Ministry of Finance.

Participants examined how to establish links between individuals and companies through banking transactions, identify methods used to conceal funds, and gather evidence of tax fraud. Particular attention was paid to proving intent—how to demonstrate that deliberate actions lie behind incorrectly declared tax liabilities and the various degrees of intent distinguished in Dutch case law.

A practical module was devoted to cryptocurrencies. ESBU specialists practiced tracing digital footprints, analysing blockchain transactions, and establishing links between crypto-assets and the parties involved. Dutch colleagues also shared their experience of setting up a dedicated training room used to teach the detection of crypto wallets and the proper securing of digital evidence during searches.

Another focus area was work with open-source information. Using case studies from Dutch investigations, participants explored how publicly available data helps verify information about individuals and companies and uncover connections relevant to an investigation.

During a visit to Europol in The Hague, Bureau representatives discussed tools for supporting international investigations, including information exchange, asset tracing, and coordinating action when financial flows span several countries.

A significant focus of the mission was placed on the out-of-court settlement of criminal proceedings, with particular emphasis on the applicable conditions and procedures, the role of prosecutors, and the contribution of such mechanisms to the effective resolution of criminal cases. The discussions also covered compensation for damages, asset confiscation, and the application of these mechanisms to legal entities and large financial institutions.

As part of the mission, the ESBU delegation visited Schiphol Airport, where representatives of the Dutch Customs Administration shared their practical experience in customs control, the detection and prevention of the illicit movement of goods and valuables, inspections and seizures, as well as the use of advanced scanning technologies to detect prohibited items.

Following the mission, Dutch experts stressed the importance of the further practical application of the tools developed to support the ESBU's work in conducting criminal investigations.