Romania Upskills for the Future: Blockchain Intelligence Training with ChainArgos and ICI Bucharest

May 2024, Bucharest, Romania — Core team members of ChainArgos were on-site at the National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics (ICI Bucharest) in Romania for a hands-on training session to begin the rollout of blockchain intelligence training for public and private sector stakeholders in Romania.

Romania is taking a big step forward in the world of blockchain technology and blockchain intelligence. Partnering with Singapore-based blockchain intelligence firm ChainArgos, the National Institute for Research & Development in Informatics (ICI Bucharest) launched its initiative to train professionals in blockchain intelligence, with the first batch of trainees receiving training in May, 2024. This marks a significant development for Romania’s role in combating crypto-crime and staying at the forefront of technological innovation.

The first batch of blockchain intelligence trainees at ICI Bucharest, including former law enforcement officials, and banking and finance professionals.

Why Blockchain Intelligence Training?

Blockchain, the technology underpinning crypto-assets like bitcoin, offers a secure and transparent way to record transactions. However, this very transparency can also be exploited for criminal activity. Blockchain intelligence tools allow investigators to track the flow of cryptocurrency, identify suspicious activity, and ultimately prevent financial crimes.

Enter ChainArgos and ICI Bucharest

ICI Bucharest, Romania’s premier research institute for information technology, has joined forces with ChainArgos, a leading blockchain intelligence firm. This collaboration brings together ICI’s expertise in research and development with ChainArgos’ proven track record in uncovering crypto-related crime.

Training involved practical sessions as well, including work with bitcoin mining machines, for trainees to get a hands-on understanding of blockchain technology.

The Blockchain Intelligence Academy (BIA)

The centerpiece of this partnership has been the creation of the Blockchain Intelligence Academy (BIA). This public-private initiative will offer training programs to equip professionals from both the public and private sectors with the skills needed to utilize blockchain intelligence tools.

What will the training cover?

The BIA curriculum covers a range of topics, including:

• The fundamentals of blockchain technology
• Advanced transaction tracking and analysis
• Identifying and investigating crypto-related crime
• Using blockchain intelligence for regulatory compliance

Promises made, promises kept. From the historic signing of the public-private partnership between ICI Bucharest and ChainArgos, to the first round of blockchain intelligence training, the partnership is proud to have delivered. Pictured here is Mr. Alexandru Petrescu, President of Romania’s Financial Supervisory Authority, speaking about the public-private partnership at the Digital Innovation Summit Bucharest in April 2024.

Delivering Benefits for Romania

This training initiative offers several benefits for Romania:

• Enhanced security: By training law enforcement and regulatory bodies in blockchain intelligence, Romania can better combat crypto-related crime.
• Financial stability: Improved capabilities in tracing illicit transactions can help safeguard Romania’s financial system.
• Innovation hub: This collaboration positions Romania as a leader in blockchain intelligence within the EU.

A member of the European Union and NATO, Romania’s forward-thinking approach to blockchain intelligence training paves the way for a safer and more innovative future in the realm of blockchain intelligence.

As part of an overall national risk assessment and management framework for Romania, in maintaining financial stability and guarding against threats to national security, ChainArgos is proud to play a role in bolstering Romania’s blockchain intelligence capabilities.