Tackling crypto-related crime: turning investigation and advocacy into impact

How can investigative journalists help expose crypto-related crime, support law enforcement action and strengthen accountability in the use of virtual assets? In this joint Basel Institute–OSCE webinar, experts from journalism, law enforcement and anti-corruption organisations discuss how investigative reporting is uncovering fraud, money laundering and other financial crimes involving cryptocurrency, and how these investigations can drive real-world impact. The discussion explores:

• The role of investigative journalism in exposing crypto-related crime
• Major investigations including Coin Laundry and Scam Empire
• Collaboration between journalists, law enforcement and civil society
• The challenges of tracing illicit financial flows through virtual assets
• Skills, training and capacity needs for journalists investigating crypto
• Press freedom, safety and the risks faced by investigative reporters
• Emerging challenges in Africa and other regions where crypto regulation is still evolving

Speakers:

• Dr Jolly Ntaba (Moderator) – Head of Journalism and Media Studies Department, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences
• Geoff White – Investigative journalist and author of The Lazarus Heist and Rinsed
• Alexandra Gillies – Chief Impact Officer, Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)
• Spencer Woodman – Reporter, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ)
• Eric van der Schild – Head, Europol Financial Intelligence Public Private Partnership (EFIPPP)
• Tom Walugembe – Senior Specialist, Asset Recovery, Basel Institute on Governance

This webinar was co-organised by the Basel Institute on Governance and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) as part of a short series examining how different actors can contribute to tackling crypto-related crime and strengthening responsible governance of virtual assets.