On Friday, the Director General of Police in Tamil Nadu, Shankar Jiwal, took a significant step by launching a handbook for investigating virtual digital assets at the police headquarters in Chennai.
Purpose and Content of the Handbook
Officially titled 'Handbook for Investigations into Virtual Digital Assets', the publication is designed to assist law enforcement as cryptocurrency becomes more influential in India's financial sector. It features step-by-step investigative procedures and examines common crimes like money laundering and Ponzi schemes, along with an overview of India's legal framework for virtual digital assets.
Project Participants and Their Role
The handbook was a collaborative effort between Giottus, a major Indian cryptocurrency exchange, and Hash Legal, a law firm addressing tech-related legal issues. The project aims to equip police officers with the tools necessary for combating crypto-driven crime, and includes training resources to enhance officer skills in tracking, tracing, and prosecuting crypto-related offenses.
Reaction to the Handbook Release
Shankar Jiwal highlighted the handbook's critical role in preparing investigators for the unique challenges of cryptocurrency cases. 'Resources like this are essential to close the expertise gap for officers handling crypto investigations. It’s an impressive effort, and I urge our police force to fully tap into the knowledge offered by organizations like Giottus,' he stated.
The handbook strives to give police officers the confidence needed to investigate crimes involving virtual digital assets by providing a clear and structured guide.
