According to the requirements outlined by the NCA in the vacancy announcement, the new officer or officers will investigate cryptocurrency fraud, money laundering and other crimes related to blockchain and crypto assets. Investigators are required to cooperate with the Special Intelligence Unit and the London police. The position requires second level accreditation from a professional investigation program or any state qualification in crime investigation. Salaries for potential employees range from 34,672 to 38,314 pounds per month ($44,145 to $48 782), and various benefits are also available.
In January, the NCA formed an investigation team to uncover illegal activity with digital assets. This decision was made due to the growing number of victims affected by cryptocurrency fraud in 2022. According to the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the agency received about 8,568 complaints about cryptocurrency fraud between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022.
With the creation of a new digital assets unit, the NCA is keen to recruit as many staff as possible to the team. Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, crypto assets obtained illegally can be confiscated and used for the public good.
Earlier, NCA said it has strengthened its anti-money laundering measures and seized $26.9 million worth of crypto assets from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.