Global Cybercrime and Cryptocurrency Assessment and Intelligence Gathering Program (US)

The Global Cybercrime and Cryptocurrency Assessment and Intelligence Gathering Program supports projects that address cybercrime, cyber-enabled crimes, and the misuse of cryptocurrency and virtual assets. The programme funds organizations working to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve understanding of digital threats, and develop solutions against crimes affecting individuals, communities, and businesses.

Overview of the Global Cybercrime and Cryptocurrency Assessment and Intelligence Gathering Program

The Global Cybercrime and Cryptocurrency Assessment and Intelligence Gathering Program is a funding opportunity launched by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), U.S. Department of State.

The programme supports projects that respond to the growing global challenges of cybercrime and crimes enabled by digital technologies. It focuses on improving assessment, intelligence collection, and prevention strategies related to cyber threats and cryptocurrency-related criminal activities.

The initiative recognizes that cybercriminal networks increasingly use advanced technologies, digital platforms, and virtual assets to conduct illegal activities across borders.

Purpose of the Programme

The programme aims to:

Strengthen global efforts to combat cybercrime.
Improve understanding of emerging digital threats.
Support intelligence gathering and assessment activities.
Address criminal misuse of cryptocurrency and virtual assets.
Protect communities and businesses from digital crimes.
Improve responses to cross-border cyber-enabled criminal activities.

Key Areas of Focus

Projects supported under this programme may address various forms of cybercrime, including:

1. Cyber Intrusions

Activities may focus on combating:

Unauthorized access to digital systems.
Cyberattacks targeting organizations.
Data breaches.
Digital infrastructure threats.
Malicious online activities.

Projects may support better assessment methods, intelligence sharing, and response strategies.

2. Online Fraud

The programme supports efforts to address:

Financial scams.
Digital fraud schemes.
Online deception activities.
Crimes targeting individuals and businesses.

Projects may improve awareness, investigation capabilities, and prevention mechanisms.

3. Online-Facilitated Drug Trafficking

Supported activities may examine:

Use of digital platforms for illegal drug transactions.
Online networks supporting trafficking activities.
Cryptocurrency-based payments connected to illegal markets.
Intelligence approaches to identify criminal networks.

4. Digital Piracy

Projects may address:

Illegal distribution of digital content.
Online intellectual property crimes.
Criminal networks using digital platforms for piracy.

5. Cryptocurrency and Virtual Asset Crimes

The programme focuses on criminal misuse of:

Cryptocurrency.
Virtual currencies.
Digital payment systems.
Blockchain-based financial tools.

Projects may examine how criminals use digital assets for:

Money laundering.
Hiding illegal proceeds.
Avoiding law enforcement detection.
Supporting criminal networks.

Why This Programme Matters

Cybercrime has become a major global security challenge because criminals can operate across borders using digital technologies.

The programme helps strengthen responses to:

Increasing online criminal activity.
Cryptocurrency-related financial crimes.
Digital threats affecting businesses.
Cyber-enabled harm against communities.
Challenges faced by law enforcement agencies.

By supporting intelligence gathering and research, the initiative helps organizations better understand and respond to evolving cyber threats.

Funding Information

The programme provides the following funding support:

Award ceiling: USD 2,196,890.
Award floor: USD 200,000.

Funding will support eligible projects that align with programme objectives and address cybercrime-related challenges.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Nonprofit and Non-Governmental Organizations

U.S.-based nonprofit organizations.
U.S.-based NGOs.
Foreign-based nonprofit organizations.
Foreign-based NGOs.

Educational Institutions

U.S.-based educational institutions.
Foreign-based educational institutions.

For-Profit Organizations

U.S.-based for-profit organizations.
Foreign-based for-profit organizations.

Organizations should demonstrate relevant experience and capacity to implement projects related to cybercrime, digital security, intelligence, research, or related areas.

Eligible Project Activities

Projects may include activities such as:

Cybercrime assessments.
Intelligence gathering initiatives.
Research on emerging cyber threats.
Cryptocurrency crime analysis.
Digital crime prevention strategies.
Capacity-building activities.
Information-sharing mechanisms.
Development of tools and approaches to understand cyber-enabled crimes.

How the Programme Works

Selected organizations are expected to:

Develop projects addressing cybercrime challenges.
Conduct research, assessment, or intelligence-gathering activities.
Analyze digital crime trends.
Develop strategies to improve responses.
Share knowledge and strengthen cooperation.
Support efforts to reduce cyber-enabled criminal activities.

Priority Areas for Strong Applications

Applicants should consider highlighting:

Experience in cybersecurity or cybercrime research.
Knowledge of cryptocurrency and virtual assets.
Cross-border crime expertise.
Partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
Practical approaches for intelligence gathering.
Measurable project outcomes.
Sustainability beyond the funding period.

Application Tips

Applicants should:

Clearly define the cybercrime problem being addressed.
Explain how the project improves understanding of digital threats.
Demonstrate technical and organizational capacity.
Include realistic implementation plans.
Describe expected outcomes and impact.
Highlight relevant partnerships and expertise.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting projects unrelated to cybercrime.
Failing to explain the connection with cryptocurrency or digital threats.
Providing unclear project objectives.
Not demonstrating organizational capacity.
Ignoring cross-border aspects of cybercrime.
Presenting activities without measurable results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Global Cybercrime and Cryptocurrency Assessment and Intelligence Gathering Program?

It is a funding programme that supports projects addressing cybercrime, cyber-enabled crimes, and criminal misuse of cryptocurrency and virtual assets.

Who manages this programme?

The programme is announced by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), U.S. Department of State.

What types of crimes does the programme address?

The programme focuses on cyber intrusions, online fraud, online-facilitated drug trafficking, digital piracy, and cryptocurrency-related crimes.

How much funding is available?

Awards range from USD 200,000 to USD 2,196,890.

Can foreign organizations apply?

Yes. Foreign nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and for-profit organizations are eligible to apply.

Does the programme support cryptocurrency research?

Yes. It supports projects examining criminal misuse of cryptocurrency and virtual assets, including money laundering and evasion of law enforcement.

What is the main goal of the programme?

The goal is to improve understanding, assessment, and response to cybercrime threats affecting communities, businesses, and international security.

Conclusion

The Global Cybercrime and Cryptocurrency Assessment and Intelligence Gathering Program provides important support for organizations working to address the rapidly changing landscape of digital crime. By funding research, intelligence gathering, and innovative approaches, the programme strengthens global efforts to combat cybercrime, protect digital systems, and respond to criminal misuse of emerging technologies.