This article introduces the Master Cryptocurrency Investigations (MCI) Course developed by Blockchain Intelligence Group and delivered onsite by CNC Intelligence, detailing its curriculum, certifications, and benefits for law enforcement and compliance professionals.
The Master Cryptocurrency Investigations (MCI) Course is a 10-module training program developed by Blockchain Intelligence Group (BIG) and delivered onsite by CNC Intelligence. It equips law enforcement, compliance teams, and investigators with advanced skills in blockchain forensics and crypto tracing. Participants can earn CCI, CCI-A, and CCI-E certifications and gain hands-on experience using QLUE. The course covers everything from Bitcoin and Ethereum analysis to DeFi, NFTs, cross-chain forensics, and risk management.
Disruptive technologies like new payment methods, including cryptocurrencies, offer people many advantages but also introduce money laundering and terrorism financing risks. In the hands of the criminally inclined, they can turn into potent tools of financial crime.
Law enforcement cannot afford to fall behind and allow the criminals free financial rein. We seek to equip investigators with the skills to uncover the truth hidden in semi-anonymous blockchain data through the Master Cryptocurrency Investigations Training (MCI), developed by Blockchain Intelligence Group and taught onsite by CNC Intelligence.
What Is the MCI Course Developed by Blockchain Intelligence Group?
The Master Cryptocurrency Investigations Course is a 10-module course that teaches you how to conduct cryptocurrency investigations and identify crypto-based criminal activity.
Created by law enforcement for law enforcement, The MCI focuses on tracing methodologies – something other crypto investigation courses overlook or avoid on purpose.
The Master Cryptocurrency Investigations (MCI) Course was developed by the Blockchain Intelligence Group (BIG), a global leader in blockchain intelligence solutions. It has been approved by NICSS and forms the foundation for professional certification in crypto tracing. CNC Intelligence Inc. is an official on-site training partner, delivering the MCI course in person with certified instructors.
What does the MCI give you?
- A detailed insight into how cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin work and how you can trace transactions through the blockchain using specialized tools
- A criminal-side view of the blockchain and the payment technologies it enables
- A detailed analysis of dark web marketplaces and their connections to cryptocurrencies
- Blockchain forensics skills
- Advanced cryptocurrency concepts and tracing methods like clustering
- A look at decentralized finance protocols and exchanges
- A comprehensive breakdown of the Ethereum network and protocol, including concepts like smart contracts and proof-of-stake consensus
- A thorough understanding of blockchain and crypto attack vectors and exploits criminals use, including infrastructure and social engineering-related factors
- An analysis of digital asset risk management concepts and compliance-related issues
If you complete the course, it will reward you with several certifications depending on how much of it you take. By completing the final exam, you become a Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator or CCI.
A CCI is a trained professional with valid and certified expertise in compliance, blockchain forensics, and investigative techniques like tracing. By taking the MCI, you can obtain the following certifications:
- CCI – Foundational skills
- CCI-E – Ethereum-focused
- CCI-A – Advanced investigations
Remember that CNC Intelligence Inc. can deliver the Master Cryptocurrency Investigations Course live and on-site.
Inside the 10-module Curriculum
To trace cryptocurrency transactions and spot criminal activity, you must understand crypto transactions, investigative techniques, and blockchain analysis.
This blockchain investigation course equips you with the knowledge and skills you need as a law enforcement officer or compliance specialist. You can also take it if you’re simply interested in the intricacies of this emerging technology.
Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator Modules (1-5)
To secure your CCI – Foundational Skills certification, you need to take modules 1-5. Here’s what this part of the curriculum covers:
- Module 1 – Introduction to Cryptocurrency. The first module of the MCI focuses on the dual nature of cryptocurrencies as borderless digital payment systems operating outside the scope of the traditional financial system. Features like pseudonymity serve legitimate use cases well, but also present opportunities for illicit use. The introductory part of the curriculum also explains the technologies and mechanics of cryptocurrencies.
- Module 2 – The Bitcoin Trail. The second module of the Master Cryptocurrency Investigations Course deals with Bitcoin, the first and most popular cryptocurrency. It explores its origins, the mining process that comprises its lifeblood, and the security challenges it faces or might face in the future.
- Module 3 – Cryptocurrency and the Criminal Element. The increasing integration of the crypto sector into the legacy financial system has opened opportunities for criminals to launder illicit funds easily, quickly, and cheaply. Module 3 covers vulnerabilities like peer-to-peer exchanges and effective investigation and tracing techniques.
- Module 4 – The Dark Web. The dark web is a secretive layer of the internet where illegal activities like drug trafficking and weapons sales flourish. The anonymity of dark web marketplaces lends itself well to the anonymous or pseudo-anonymous nature of cryptocurrencies. This module introduces students to illicit marketplaces and the currencies they require.
- Module 5 – Blockchain Forensics. This exhaustive module sheds light on the principles of blockchain analysis. It includes interactive segments based on Blockchain Intelligence Group’s QLUE software, building practical, hands-on skills and knowledge. Module 5 is the quintessential blockchain investigation course.
Each of these modules wraps up with a test. At the end of the 5th module, there is a final test that rewards learners with the CCI certification.
CCI-A Advanced Investigator Modules (Modules 6-10)
The Master Cryptocurrency Investigations Course allows learners to push their skills and certification further with the advanced modules.
- Module 6 – Advanced Cryptocurrency Concepts. This module deals with the latest cryptocurrency developments, of which there are, indeed, plenty in this dynamic industry. It discusses intricate transaction-trail obfuscating methods, evolving cryptocurrency protocols, and emerging technologies that will define the future evolution of these digital assets.
- Module 7 – DEX and DeFi. Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and various decentralized finance protocols (DeFi) add new dimensions to crypto transaction tracing. In this module, students learn about these often opaque technologies, with practical examples.
The crypto industry is about much more than Bitcoin. Ethereum is another digital asset/network skilled cryptocurrency investigators must understand and master. Developers use Ethereum for their DeFi applications.
- Module 8 – Advanced Ethereum Course (CCI-E). This module dissects the Ethereum network and the advanced cryptocurrency concepts it entails. Through it, you can learn about proof-of-work and proof-of-stake consensus mechanisms, smart contracts, and the ERC-20 standard. On the practical side, those who take this module will study Ethereum blockchain explorers and asset tracing using the QLUE platform.
- Module 9 – Hacks and Challenges. Secure crypto storage and self-custody are challenges and factors cryptocurrency investigators must understand thoroughly. In addition to coding-based attacks, hackers use social engineering and old-fashioned deception to attack and steal digital assets.
- Module 10 – Compliance and Risk Management. Organizations need crypto experts to address their compliance needs. Compliance officers and investigators must understand the risks the crypto sector entails. They must also stay up-to-date on quickly evolving challenges and mitigate emerging risks effectively.
You can earn your CCI-A certification through these modules. These advanced skills can help you adopt a holistic perspective on crypto activities, allowing you to understand the flow of funds through the blockchain better.
CNC Intelligence Interactive Training Modules
As a cryptocurrency investigator, you cannot afford to be superficial. CNC Intelligence understands the importance of delving deeper and deeper into the intricacies of the digital asset industry, always looking for new ways to make sense of crypto transactions.
The QLUE platform hosts four additional training modules, focusing on advanced tracing methods.
- UTXO Tracing. This interactive, hands-on crypto training module focuses on the UTXOs that each Bitcoin transaction consumes and creates. With the right methods, investigators can trace UTXOs from creation to spending. Tracing methods include clustering, taint analysis, and graph analysis.
- EVM Tracing. Ethereum Virtual Machine analysis allows investigators to understand smart contracts, including their inputs, outputs, and links to other contracts. EVM analysis skills are crucial for DeFi investigations and everything involving Ethereum or ERC-20 tokens.
- NFT Tracing. Non-fungible tokens can tell investigators much through their ownership history, origins, transfers, etc. This hands-on module endows learners with the skills to verify NFT compliance, attribution, and ownership, and to detect fraud.
- Bridges, Layer2s, and Cross-chain Forensics. Cross-blockchain tracing is the ultimate tracing assignment, requiring well-honed investigative skills and a thorough understanding of the crypto ecosystem as a whole. Through this QLUE investigator training module, students gain hands-on experience with advanced tracing. They learn how to trace an NFT stolen on Ethereum, bridged to Polygon, moved to the Arbitrum layer2, and, eventually, sold on Solana.
On-site Training Format and Certification Schedule
Interested parties can take the Master Cryptocurrency Investigations Course online (we provide a discount code below), but CNC Intelligence delivers on-site, hands-on training, adding further value.
The online version of the MCI shouldn’t take longer than nine hours to complete. On-site training is available on demand. Scheduling-wise, flexibility is the key. Scheduling depends on team availability and client needs. There aren’t any set locations or dates.
CNC Intelligence instructors deliver on-site training in a live workshop format. The instructor-led blockchain forensics training means students get to experience hands-on, practical cases, see the techniques in action, and get to ask follow-up questions.
The maximum group size is 25 people. The CCI – Foundational Skills course takes 2-3 days when delivered on-site. CCI – A and E certifications take 3-4 days. The full MCI course may take 5 days to deliver live.
Real-time certification exams require your own computer. The certificates are co-issued by CNC Intelligence and the Blockchain Intelligence Group.
Who Should Take the MCI Course?
MCI is for everyone interested in becoming a blockchain investigator or learning about the ins and outs of cryptocurrency tracing. On a practical level, the following groups may derive the best and most immediate benefits from training.
- Law Enforcement. Cybercrime investigators and law enforcement officers learn effective investigative techniques, dark web skills, and abilities to build court-admissible bodies of digital evidence. These skills may open new career advancement opportunities.
- Financial Compliance Teams. Compliance teams can improve the AML/CTF capabilities of their organizations, boosting customer trust and legal standing. They can build real-time monitoring systems and adopt a proactive crime prevention stance.
- Forensic Analysts. Specialists gain improved skills and knowledge. The ability to trace digital assets through multiple blockchains, layer2s, and bridges will always be impressive. Certification opens new doors for crypto experts toward positions like Cyber Intelligence Analyst and Digital Forensics Expert.
- Legal Professionals. Attorneys, prosecutors, and legal advisors gain skills and knowledge that equip them to handle crypto-related court cases better. A crypto tracing course like MCI future-proofs the careers of these professionals, enhancing their credibility and professional appeal in a high-demand field.
With CNC Intelligence, all MCI learners get practical, hands-on training, adaptability, industry recognition, and networking opportunities.
Flexible Pricing Based on Location
The online pricing of the MCI and its modules is relatively straightforward. You can get the CCI certification for $999, the CCI-A for $1,199, and the whole MCI for $1.999. Individual module prices range from $99 to $699, with most of them costing $199 or $299.
On-site training pricing is a different matter. Prices depend on location and group sizes. It may make economic sense to join a larger group, but remember that the limit on group size is 25. On-site training prices include certification, bulk training packages, and retests.
Book early to secure your spot. Request a quote now.
Or, you can sign up for the Online Version of the MCI through Blockchain Intelligence Group. For a discount, use the code 20CNCINTEL
CNC Intelligence – Your Trusted On-site Training Partner
All certifications—CCI, CCI-A, and CCI-E—are based on the MCI curriculum developed by Blockchain Intelligence Group (BIG). CNC Intelligence is BIG’s on-site training partner, delivering the course live in a workshop-style format, delivering a solid and proven training program in a more personal and hands-on manner.
CNC Intelligence boasts an outstanding investigative record and has plenty of experience in on-site training. The instructors of the organization have worked with law enforcement agencies the world over, looking to fill a much-maligned gap in the digital capabilities of these organizations.
CNC Intelligence has helped wrap up several high-profile international crypto cases, helping victims seek legal action and assisting law enforcement in recovering lost assets.
FAQ
What is the Master Cryptocurrency Investigations (MCI) Course?
MCI is a 10-module course that teaches cryptocurrency basics, tracing techniques, and blockchain forensics and imparts skills to identify crypto-related fraud, theft, money laundering, and other illicit activities. It culminates in three certifications co-awarded by CNC Intelligence Inc. and the Blockchain Intelligence Group.
What certifications can I get from the MCI?
By completing the module packages that make up the MCI, you can earn the following certifications:
- CCI – Cryptocurrency Investigator foundational skills (modules 1-5).
- CCI – A – Advanced investigations (modules 5-10)
- CCI – E – Ethereum-focused skills (module 8)
How long is the MCI training?
Developed by the BIG and delivered live, on-site, by CNC Intelligence Inc., training takes 2-3 days for CCI and 3-4 days for CCI-A and E. The full course takes 5 days.
What skills will I gain from this course?
MCI teaches you to:
- Trace crypto transactions and link them to illicit activities
- Peer into dark web marketplaces and their finances
- Assess risks against compliance requirements
- Trace stolen digital assets through multiple blockchains, layer2s, and bridges.
- Use tools like QLUE.
Who should take the course?
Law enforcement agents, financial compliance experts, legal advisors, attorneys, prosecutors, and forensic analysts stand to benefit the most from the MCI. Everyone can take the course, regardless of profession. And everyone can benefit from the skills it provides.
Is the course only for law enforcement?
Law enforcement officers are the most likely to benefit from the MCI directly, but anyone can take the course.
Does the course deal with advanced tracing techniques?
Yes. UTXO tracing, EVM tracing, NFT tracing, and cross-chain forensics allow learners to trace different types of digital assets across multiple blockchains, bridges, and layer2s.
What tools are used?
QLUE (Qualified Ledger for Ultimate Extraction) is the centerpiece of the MCI and the tool educators use for their hands-on crypto tracing demonstrations. In addition to QLUE, blockchain explorers and custom analytical tools may also be used.
Is there an online option?
The Blockchain Intelligence Group offers an online version of the course and its many different modules. On-site hands-on training is, however, most effective at optimally imparting the knowledge and practical aspects of the MCI.