On November 8 – 10, 2023, a representative of the Vietnam Blockchain Association (VBA) participated in the training session on investigating, prosecuting, and supervising cases related to cryptocurrencies organized by the Supreme People’s Procuracy in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Bac Ninh
In his opening speech, Mr. Phan Hai Dang, Deputy Head of the Department for Prosecution and Supervision of Criminal Trials (Department 7) at the Supreme People’s Procuracy, shared his viewpoint that “cryptocurrencies” are an inevitable result of today’s technological development. However, due to the rapid pace of technological advancement, there’s a deficiency in legal frameworks, leading to an increase in fraudulent activities and posing various challenges to authorities.
Delegates participated in a training session on investigation, prosecution, inspection and handling of cases related to virtual currency organized by the Supreme People’s Procuracy in coordination with the Federal Drug and Crime Prevention Agency. United Nations (UNODC) jointly organized in Bac Ninh.
Mr. Dang mentioned that while preventive measures have been taken in prosecuting agencies to combat crimes related to cryptocurrencies, Vietnam lacks an official legal framework concerning cryptocurrencies. Legal officers have not received comprehensive training or a clear understanding of cryptocurrencies and related transactions.
Therefore, the purpose of this training session on investigating, prosecuting, and supervising cases related to cryptocurrencies is to enhance awareness and capabilities for investigative officers and prosecutors in the field of cryptocurrencies, as emphasized by Mr. Dang.
Participating in the training were Deputy Heads of Department 7, with Mr. Pham Van An, Mr. Nguyen Dang Thang, and Mr. Phan Hai Dang; representative leaders and prosecutors from units Department 7, Department 14 of the Supreme People’s Procuracy, and provincial-level procuracies in Bac Ninh. Along with representatives from agencies and organizations such as A05 Ministry of Public Security, PA05 Hanoi City Police, Department of Anti-Money Laundering of the State Bank of Vietnam, State Securities Commission, Vietnam Association of Vietnam Banking Association, and Vietnam Blockchain Association.
Representatives of Vietnam Blockchain Association and a number of participants participating in the Training received the Certificate.
During the training, Mr. Brett O’Neil, Director of a Cyber Law firm in New South Wales, Australia, shared insights about cybercrimes, network investigation techniques, TOR technology, and cryptocurrency investigation techniques. Delegates actively participated in discussions and practical exercises to enhance their skills in investigating cybercrimes and cryptocurrencies.
At the training session, Mr. Phan Duc Trung – Vice President of the Vietnam Blockchain Association, introduced the ChainTracer project. ChainTracer is a pioneering collaboration between the Vietnam Blockchain Association and a Social Enterprise Fraud Prevention Company, supported by domestic and international organizations. It serves as a platform to receive reports on fraudulent activities related to cryptocurrencies. Based on victim reports, ChainTracer traces information on the blockchain to identify and alert the community about cybercrime and cryptocurrency-related fraud attacks.
At the end of the training course, Mr. Phan Hai Dang expressed confidence that the in-depth knowledge from international experts and the active participation of delegates will be a crucial foundation to help investigative officers and prosecutors enhance the efficiency of investigating, prosecuting, supervising, and handling cases related to cryptocurrencies in the future.