The Director General of Police (DGP) of Tamil Nadu, Thiru. Shankar Jiwal, IPS, officially released the Handbook for Investigations into Virtual Digital Assets at the Police Headquarters in Chennai. This groundbreaking resource, jointly developed by Giottus, one of India’s leading crypto exchanges, and Hash Legal, a premier law firm specializing in emerging technologies, aims to empower law enforcement officers in handling crypto-related cases effectively.
Speaking at the launch, DGP Shankar Jiwal emphasised the importance of the handbook in equipping investigators with the necessary expertise to handle crypto cases effectively. “Handbooks like these will go a long way in filling the knowledge gap of investigators dealing with crypto cases. It is a great effort, and I hope the police force will make full use of the expertise of organizations like Giottus," he said.
With crypto adoption rising in India, law enforcement agencies face increasing challenges in investigating crimes involving virtual digital assets. The complexities of blockchain technology, pseudonymous transactions, and evolving regulatory landscapes make it crucial for investigators to stay ahead. The handbook serves as a structured guide, equipping officers with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate crypto-related investigations efficiently.
As one of India’s most trusted crypto platforms, Giottus continues to play a pivotal role in promoting secure and compliant crypto adoption. By co-authoring this handbook, Giottus reinforces its commitment to bridging the knowledge gap between regulatory authorities, law enforcement, and the crypto ecosystem.
Giottus CEO Vikram Subburaj said the idea for the handbook originated from years of interactions with law enforcement officials. “We found that many officers were hesitant to handle crypto cases and they often grappled with fundamental questions like ‘Is crypto legal in India?’ or ‘Can crypto-related crimes be solved?’ This is what led us to put together a structured guide that demystifies investigations in this space,” he said.
The Handbook for Investigations into Virtual Digital Assets is designed to provide law enforcement agencies with practical tools for tracking and solving crypto-related crimes. It includes: step-by-step procedures for conducting crypto investigations; insights into common crypto crimes such as money laundering, Ponzi schemes, and cyber fraud; legal frameworks relevant to virtual digital assets under Indian laws; techniques for tracing transactions across exchanges and wallets; and the much-needed guidance on cross-border investigations for cases involving international actors.
Vikram said the handbook could be used as a ready-reckoner and it will guide law-enforcers when they are faced with doubts regarding crypto cases. He said the handbook is neatly organised and an investigator could easily find the information required.
“We at Hash Legal are proud to collaborate with Giottus on this Handbook, we hope that this will bring much-needed awareness about crypto crimes and serve as a practical resource for law enforcement agencies. We have taken great care to cover all legal provisions and elaborate on various scenarios so that Agencies can understand the nature of crypto offences and are equipped with the tools necessary to investigate them. It is also vital that victims of crypto crimes be met with the same empathy and compassion as victims of any other offence. We hope the outcome of this Handbook will be to ensure a balanced approach that both upholds the law and supports those who have been wronged,” said Athif Ahmed, Partner at Hash Legal.
As an FIU-registered and compliant crypto exchange, Giottus has long advocated for awareness and education in the law-enforcement community. By simplifying complex blockchain concepts and investigation methodologies, the handbook aims to bridge the knowledge gap and empower police officers to confidently tackle crypto-related crimes.
For more information about the handbook or Giottus’ initiatives in crypto education and compliance, visit Giottus website.
Disclaimer: Crypto products and NFTs are unregulated and can be highly risky. There may be no regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions. Please do your own research before investing and seek independent legal/financial advice if you are unsure about the investments.
