TRACE implemented activities to achieve its objectives, producing 61 deliverables and 26 broad results across 11 Work Packages (WPs). In WP1, TRACE operationalised project management tools (e.g. project manual, and data management plans) to ensure the effective implementation of the project. In WP2, TRACE analysed money flows in use cases such as web forensics for terrorism investigations, and online gambling, while sharing insights with EU LEAs and FIUs. The use cases have exposed challenges such as complex corporate structures and the use of new financial instruments like decentralised finance (DeFi), cryptocurrencies, and NFTs. In WP3, TRACE developed data acquisition and simulation services. Example, TRACE enabled data access to I2P and planetary file systems, complementing services for surface web, deep web, and TOR investigations. TRACE developed analytical services in WP4, such as generating unique identifiers (e.g. bank accounts, cryptocurrency hashes, PGP keys) to create time-sensitive investigation graphs of hidden network activities across web layers. In WP5, TRACE developed backend infrastructure and service integration, such as creating a crowd investigation knowledge graph to facilitate cross-border collaboration and enhance investigative insights. WP5 centralised the development of the TRACE tool, incorporating interconnected layers of solution structures. WP6 involved front-end UI development and system validation. Example, TRACE co-developed with LEAs improved investigation tools to address emerging and traditional crimes. WP7 involved optimisation of information-sharing practices and policy recommendations. Example, TRACE examined the legal framework for cross-border investigations of IMFs in 22 European countries, identifying jurisdictional gaps and good practices. TRACE also explored the inclusion of cyber forensics in European forensic institutes and advised policymakers on strengthening these capabilities.
In WP8 and WP11, TRACE explored ethical, legal and social impact of its solutions. It designed a compliance framework ensuring ethical acceptability of solutions aligned with data protection laws, and fundamental rights. TRACE has advanced best practices for the legal and ethical use of AI by LEAs. WP9 involved training and collaboration, where TRACE delivered curricula and training for FIUs and LEAs on detecting IMFs with TRACE technologies.
WP10 involved dissemination, exploitation and communications, targeting stakeholders (e.g. LEAs), civil society organisations, and the public. The results of TRACE were exploited and disseminated in WP10 through demonstrations, newsletters, scientific publications, etc. For instance, TRACE published 12 scientific articles, 6 newsletters, and 9 briefing policy papers on tracing IMFs and recovery of criminal assets. Example, TRACE sent, to LEAs and policymakers, newsletters and policy papers on areas such as investigation knowledge, and benchmarks for detecting and investigating IMFs in country reports.
TRACE publications have exploited the results of several deliverables such as on e-evidence (D7.6): See publication on “Cross-border access to electronic evidence in criminal matters”,
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20322844241258649(opens in new window). The TRACE-informed book (AI, Law and Ethics in Countering Financial Crime, Cambridge University, 2025 pending) demonstrates another exploitation of deliverables.
Exploitation of the TRACE tool is also being optimised at Austrian Ministry of Defence. Thus, the TRACE "reasoning mechanism" and "system architecture and case management" are run at Austrian National Defence Academy.
TRACE’s engagement with LEAs has set a forum for LEAs to harness their interaction, improving information sharing efficiency. Training materials developed in WP9 have been regarded by trainees and partners as providing a clear, user-friendly approach adaptable to diverse audiences.
By unlocking the potential of ICT, TRACE has laid pathways for leveraging AI-driven practices in combating IMFs.
