Amsterdam, Netherlands, September 29th, 2026, Chainwire
Crystal Intelligence cooperated with law enforcement in support of the cross-border investigation in Prague
Ukraine’s National Cyber Police led a criminal investigation into crypto-asset fraud of more than $655,000. It led to a police operation across borders. Police were allowed to search the suspect’s home in Prague, Czech Republic.
As part of the case, Crystal Intelligence gave blockchain data to help police trace how the crypto moved.
What the Suspect Allegedly Did
According to the National Cyber Police of Ukraine, the suspect allegedly took the funds while posing as a crypto investment. After he got the assets, he moved them across various crypto services.
He also used methods meant to hide where the funds came from and where they went next. This fits the pattern of crypto layering, a way of passing funds through many steps to hide their trail. It is seen more and more in fraud cases of this type.
Crystal’s Role in the Case
Police asked Crystal for help, and Crystal sent its blockchain data. Its work helped trace how the assets moved across several services. This helped the police as part of their wider review of the case.
Crystal worked closely with the police. It gave as much help as it could as a private data company.
The Search in Prague
Police in Ukraine worked with police in the Czech Republic under a deal to help each other. Together they confirmed where the suspect lived, as stated in the official Cyber Police statement.
Officers from the National Police of Ukraine took a direct part in the search. It was carried out under a criminal case opened under Part 5 of Article 190 (Fraud) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Officers seized:
- computer equipment
- mobile devices
- data storage media
- hardware crypto wallets
- handwritten notes
- payment cards
- financial and business documents
The case is still in its early stage, before any trial.
Crystal’s Commitment to Safer Crypto
Crystal Intelligence wants blockchain tech to be used in a safe and fair way. It helps police fight crime that involves crypto.
Helping police in cases like this is part of Crystal’s wider goal: to build a world where trust and safety are standard in crypto. For readers, our guide on how to know if a crypto company is a scam covers common warning signs.
“This case demonstrates how blockchain analytics can directly support law enforcement in cross-border investigations,” said Nicholas Smart, Chief Intelligence Officer at Crystal Intelligence. “When funds move across services and jurisdictions, the on-chain record does not disappear. It can be traced, mapped, and used as court-level evidence. We are pleased our analysis contributed to the work Ukrainian investigators were doing, and we remain committed to cooperating fully with law enforcement wherever we can.”
How the Fund Flows Were Mapped
In this case, three things worked together. Police used their usual methods. Several countries worked as a team. And modern blockchain tools tracked the money. This made it possible to find the crypto setup linked to the suspect. It also let investigators trace how assets moved across several services.
A key result was a complete picture of the fund flows. Investigators moved from single transactions to a full view of the scheme and the people behind it.
A Fast-Changing Challenge for Law Enforcement
Today, police work in a world where tech changes very fast. Online crime, AI, crypto, and crime that crosses borders all bring new problems. These touch not only criminals, but police too.
If criminals use new tech to cover their tracks and move assets across borders, police must respond. They need to build their own tech and analysis skills. The rise of blockchain monitoring is covered in our look at digital asset security as the crypto market matures.
“This investigation demonstrates that today’s law enforcement challenges can be effectively overcome. By combining traditional investigative methods, international cooperation, and blockchain analytics, we were able to map the full flow of funds – moving from individual transactions to a complete picture of the scheme and everyone involved in it.
Technology doesn’t replace skilled investigators – it amplifies them. Crime has no borders, and modern justice must use tools that work the same way.” Oleksandr Plakhotnyuk – Chief of Division for Combating Crimes Related to Virtual Assets, Cyberpolice Department of the National Police of Ukraine
About Crystal Intelligence
Crystal Intelligence is a company that tracks blockchain activity and helps firms follow the rules. Police, banks, and crypto firms around the world trust it.
Crystal’s platform helps users trace funds, watch transactions, and run probes across 330+ blockchains. It can name over 110,000 entities and holds data on 30 million risky transfers.
Crystal holds ISO 27001 certification, a global standard for keeping data safe. It follows GDPR and keeps its data rules based in the EU.
Notes to Editors
Case facts in this release come from the official statement published by the National Cyber Police of Ukraine on September 21, 2026: cyberpolice.gov.ua.
Officers are still going through what they found in the searches. The case has not yet gone to trial.
Contact
PR manager
Lesia
Crystal Intelligence
lesia.klochai@crystalintelligence.com
This is a press release / sponsored content. Read our Sponsored Content Policy. This article is not intended as financial advice. Educational purposes only.
