Evaluating an Investigative Process for Cryptocurrency-Related Crimes

Abstract

This paper evaluates a previously proposed investigative process for cryptocurrency-related crimes, originally
introduced by the authors (Botha, Singh, & Leenen, 2025a), through the application of a real-world case study. The process
covers crime reporting and case registration, on-chain analysis, off-chain analysis, and the transformation of investigative
intelligence into court-admissible evidence. The current study focuses on a new, active case involving an elderly South African
(SA) woman who was defrauded of a substantial portion of her pension through a fraudulent investment scheme known as
###-Platform (redacted). The case is presently under investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI),
a specialised unit of the South African Police Services (SAPS) tasked with addressing serious economic crimes and commonly
referred to as the Hawks. By systematically applying the proposed investigative process to this case, the study assesses the
framework's practical utility, adaptability, and effectiveness in real-world conditions. The analysis further reflects on legal,
technical, and procedural challenges encountered during the investigation, offering critical insights for law enforcement,
regulators, and cybersecurity professionals. It also highlights broader systemic vulnerabilities that facilitate such scams,
particularly among elderly and non-technical populations. The findings underscore the need for enhanced public education,
improved regulatory oversight, and international cooperation in combating cryptocurrency fraud. Ultimately, the paper
contributes to the evolving discourse on financial crime in the digital age and aims to support the development of more
secure and accountable crypto-investment environments.