Amsterdam, Netherlands, September 29, 2026, Chainwire. Crystal Intelligence cooperated with law enforcement in cross-border investigation in Prague
The National Cyber Police of Ukraine conducted a criminal investigation relating to cryptoasset fraud of more than $655,000. This gave rise to an international law enforcement operation as well as authorized searches of the suspect’s home in Prague, Czech Republic. As part of the procedure, Crystal Intelligence provided its expertise in blockchain analysis to help investigators trace the movements of cryptoassets.
According to the National Cyber Police of Ukraine, the suspect embezzled the funds under the guise of an investment in cryptocurrencies. After receiving the assets, he allegedly transferred them via different crypto services and used methods intended to conceal their origin and subsequent movements, a pattern corresponding to the “layering” techniques increasingly observed in fraud cases of this type.
At the request of law enforcement, Crystal provided blockchain analytics to help track assets across multiple services. This information assisted investigators in the broader analysis conducted during the criminal proceedings. Crystal has fully cooperated with law enforcement and provided them with the most comprehensive assistance possible within the confines of its role as a private analytics company.
As part of international cooperation, Ukrainian authorities coordinated with Czech law enforcement to confirm the suspect’s place of residence, as reported in the official press release from the Cyber Police. The authorized search was carried out with the direct participation of representatives of the National Police of Ukraine, as part of criminal proceedings initiated under Part 5 of Article 190 (Fraud) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Agents seized computer equipment, mobile devices, data storage media, hardware crypto wallets, handwritten notes, payment cards as well as financial and business documents. The preliminary investigation is still ongoing.
Crystal Intelligence is committed to promoting responsible use of blockchain technology and supporting law enforcement in their fight against cryptocurrency crime. Cooperating with authorities in these types of cases is part of Crystal’s broader mission: to help build a world where trust and security become the norm in the crypto universe.
This case shows how blockchain analysis can directly support law enforcement in cross-border investigations. When funds move between different services and jurisdictions, the data recorded on-chain does not disappear. They can be traced, mapped and used as evidence in court. We are pleased that our analysis contributed to the work of Ukrainian investigators and we remain fully committed to cooperating with law enforcement wherever we can.
Nicholas Smart, Chief Intelligence Officer of Crystal Intelligence
In this case, the combination of traditional investigation methods, international cooperation and modern blockchain analysis tools made it possible to identify the crypto infrastructure linked to the suspect and trace the movements of assets across several services. A key outcome was to piece together a comprehensive overview of fund flows, moving from individual transactions to a holistic understanding of the scheme and the people involved.
Today, law enforcement operates in an environment where technologies are advancing at exceptional speed. Cybercrime, artificial intelligence, cryptoassets and the cross-border dimension of crime create new challenges, not only for criminals, but also for law enforcement systems. If criminals use new technologies to cover their tracks and move assets between different jurisdictions, law enforcement must respond by developing their own technological and analytical capabilities.
This survey shows that the challenges facing law enforcement today can be effectively overcome. By combining traditional investigation methods, international cooperation and blockchain analysis, we were able to map the entire flow of funds, moving from individual transactions to a complete view of the scheme and everyone involved. Technology does not replace experienced investigators: it enhances their capabilities. Crime knows no borders, and modern justice must use tools that work in the same way.
Oleksandr Plakhotnyuk – head of the division for combating crimes related to virtual assets, Cyberpolice Department of the National Police of Ukraine
About Crystal Intelligence
Crystal Intelligence is a blockchain analytics and compliance company trusted by law enforcement, financial institutions, and crypto businesses around the world. Crystal’s platform tracks funds, monitors transactions and conducts investigations on more than 330 blockchains, with access to more than 110,000 identified entities and data on 30 million risky transfers. Crystal is ISO 27001 certified and operates EU-based, GDPR-compliant data governance.
Notes
The facts relating to this case presented in this press release come from the official statement issued by the National Cyber Police of Ukraine on September 21, 2026: cyberpolice.gov.ua. Law enforcement continues to analyze the information obtained during the searches. The preliminary investigation is still ongoing.
Contact
Press relations manager
Lesia
Crystal Intelligence
[email protected]
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