The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is taking a proactive stance in combating cybercrime, particularly in the realm of tax and financial crimes involving cryptocurrency. To achieve this goal, the IRS has announced a pilot program that will deploy a team of experts, referred to as “cyber attachés,” to four continents next month. The selected locations for this initiative are Sydney, Bogota, Frankfurt, and Singapore, where the attachés will be stationed from June to September.
The primary objective of this program is to equip foreign counterparts with the necessary tools and expertise to effectively combat cybercrime. By extending their reach globally, the IRS aims to ensure that its overseas partners have access to the same resources and knowledge that are available within the United States. Jim Lee, the Chief of IRS Criminal Investigation, emphasized the importance of international collaboration, stating that it is vital to address cybercrime collectively.
Among the appointed attachés is David Strager, who will be stationed in Sydney. Strager brings a wealth of experience in overseeing criminal investigations related to crypto tax evasion, money laundering, and international fraud. The IRS highlights Strager’s extensive credentials, including various cryptocurrency certifications and active licenses for utilizing cryptocurrency tracing tools. His expertise and background position him well to contribute significantly to the combat against cybercrime in the context of cryptocurrency.
Through this global initiative, the IRS demonstrates its commitment to combatting cybercrimes that exploit cryptocurrencies. By fostering cooperation with international partners and deploying experts in key locations, the IRS aims to enhance its capabilities in identifying and prosecuting individuals and organizations involved in cyber-related financial crimes. This initiative aligns with the growing recognition of the need for global collaboration to address the challenges posed by cybercrime in the digital age.