Are you curious how cryptocurrency is used in crime?
Car Burglars, Drug Dealers and Transnational Crime Organizations All Use Cryptocurrency To Hide Their Money.
CRYPTOCURRENCY FOR PATROL AND FRONTLINE OFFICERS teaches you how.
Discover the world of cryptocurrency and how to recognize evidence of its use in your investigations.
In just 8 hours, you’ll learn:
How criminals store, move, and launder money—without law enforcement even knowing
What NEVER to ignore when a suspect has a crypto app open—and why failing to act in that moment could cost you the entire case.
The simple 12-word phrase that could unlock tens of thousands of dollars in hidden drug money—if you know what to do with it.
Why criminals love “cold wallets”… and how they’re hiding them in socks, car panels, and trash.
The #1 mistake officers make when they find a crypto wallet—and why it instantly alerts the suspect to wipe their funds.
How to spot a burner wallet hidden in plain sight—what criminals don’t want you to notice about the app on their phone.
If you see these 3 symbols on a scrap of paper or screenshot… you just found a crypto wallet holding felony-level proceeds.
Why simply touching a suspect’s hardware wallet without knowing this can destroy your chain of custody—and your case.
The sneaky trick suspects use with QR codes to fool police—how to recognize a fake payment trail before it’s too late.
What to ask suspects about crypto that gets them talking—without tipping your hand that you know what you’re doing.
The secret reason cartels are training their low-level runners on Monero instead of Bitcoin—and what that tells you during a stop.
How to tell if a crypto transaction is “hot” (live) or “cold” (archived)—and why that matters during a roadside interview.
Why a burner phone with no SIM card might still be the most valuable thing you seize during a search.
How to identify crypto laundering through gift cards, NFT fronts, and in-game currency swaps—and link it to real crime.
The “crypto triangle” criminals follow when moving money—and how to break the cycle at any of the three points.
You’ll handle real crypto wallets, fake wallets, seed phrases, and QR code trails—so you know what you’re looking for on the street.
The single best question to ask a suspect that exposes whether their wallet is hot, cold—or full of lies.
Why some drug crews carry crypto receipts on paper—and what it means when you find one in their car.
Learn how to articulate crypto-related R.S. and P.C. in your reports—so they stand up in court and IA.
The step-by-step checklist for securing a suspect’s digital wallet before they hit “wipe” and destroy the evidence.
Why today’s street criminals are trained in blockchain basics—and how this class makes sure you know more than they do.
PLUS: You’ll learn the exact platforms criminals are using right now in 2025 to transfer money, hide drugs, and stay ahead of law enforcement—until now.
You’ll also join in small group exercises to do your own crypto investigation.
About The Instructors:
The instructors, James and Matt, are both fascinated with cryptocurrency and invest.
Matt is a Federal Task Force Officer assigned to investigate financial crimes with the Secret Service. He also reviews suspicious activity reported by banks to the Department of Justice. He has a Master’s degree in financial Crime.
Matt investigates crypto cases every day and will teach you the tricks of the trade.
James focused his career on transnational gangs and organized crime. His investigations always lead him back to the criminals using some form of cryptocurrency.
James helped form his agency’s Financial Investigations Team and was part of an IRS Bulk Currency group. He is a Certified Crypto Currency Forensic Investigator.
In addition to being crypto experts, they are both experienced street cops.
They’ll show you exactly what to look for during contacts, searches, and warrants.
Who Should Attend: Law Enforcement, Probation/Parole, Corrections/Jail, and Supervisors
More About The Instructors:
James Kerby, is a 28 year veteran with the Austin, Texas Police Department and six-year veteran of the Army National Guard, Military Police.
James dedicated his career to working mostly as a Narcotics detective in the Organized Crime division where he was instrumental in forming the Financial Investigations Team. Here, James was hyper-focused on transnational gangs involved in human trafficking, money laundering, narcotics trafficking, gun crimes and intellectual property cases where all these criminals used some form of cryptocurrency.
James was also part of federal task force groups such as Homeland Security and IRS Bulk Currency group where they received departmental and civilian awards. James continued his education in cryptocurrency and is a Certified Crypto Currency Forensic Investigator from the McAfee Institute.
James is a licensed Texas Private Investigator where he currently consults on crypto-related crimes and frauds.
Matthew Hogan has been in law enforcement for over 15 years, currently holding the rank of Detective with the Connecticut State Police.
Det. Hogan started his career with the DeKalb County Police (Atlanta, GA) where he was part of a proactive Robbery Suppression Task Force before returning to Connecticut.
Along with his responsibilities as a detective for the Eastern District Major Crime Squad, Matt is also a federally sworn Task Force Officer with the US Secret Service CT Financial Crimes Task Force and an active member of the USDOJ SAR review team.
Matt has received his Bachelor’s in Fire Science and Master’s degree in Financial Crime Investigations from the University of New Haven. A recipient of numerous commendations including the State Police Outstanding Service Award and Unit Citation, Detective Hogan’s work has been recognized at every level of law enforcement.
Dress Code: Comfortable clothing and closed toed shoes are recommended.
Lodging and Meals: Students are responsible for their own travel, hotel, and meals.
Contacts: If you are running late to the course or have other problems or questions regarding this course, please contact Program Manager, Nick Ramos at: nickramos@trainPSA.org or (505) 573-9672 / PSA office, at: info@trainPSA.org