Rick Harmsen

Crypto Investigations CTO - Share knowledge, shut down bad actors | DataExpert | Public Speaker

Spain

About

I’ve been in crypto for more than a decade with one mission: make the technical side of blockchain clear and usable for everyone. Leveraging experience from DAO’s, Law Enforcement and the private sector, I combine best of all worlds 🚀 Hands-on tracing, protocol understanding, and real investigative work drives everything I do. I train and guide teams across Europe and partner with organisations like Chainalysis and TRM to strengthen their crypto capabilities. Thousands of professionals have followed my sessions and talks, from investigators to compliance teams to regulators. When I get the chance to create more global awareness, I take it. Speaking at conferences across Europe and joining podcasts worldwide is something I truly enjoy 🎤🌍 The space needs more clarity, more education and more voices sharing what matters. At my core, community always comes first. Crypto grows when we grow. I focus on sharing knowledge that actually moves people forward. Through content, guides, videos and narrative-driven breakdowns, I help people understand what’s really happening on-chain. If it helps someone become better at understanding crypto, I’m in. Always building, always teaching, always sharing 🤝 Stay Sharp Legends

Experience

  • DataExpert (Full-time · 6 yrs 5 mos)
    • CTO (Crypto Technology Officer) | Cryptocurrency Tracing & Investigation Division
      Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

      As Crypto Technology Officer (CTO) I lead the strategic development, technical innovation and implementation of cryptocurrency and blockchain solutions within the Crypto Tracing & Investigation Division. My role bridges technology, investigations and training across industries including financial institutions, law enforcement and enterprise partners. Within my role I focus upon key areas as: - Crypto Investigations & Forensics - Training & Capability Building - Blockchain Strategy & Architecture - Regulatory Compliance & AML - Partnership Management & Growth - Innovation & Adoption

    • Cryptocurrency & Blockchain specialist
      Nov 2021 - Feb 2025 · 3 yrs 4 mos

      Responsibilities: - Lead the Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Team, focusing on investigations and training - Chainalysis Gold Training Partner and TRM Labs Training Partner - Provide training to public and private sectors on blockchain analytics using open-source tools, Chainalysis, and TRM - Advise public and private sectors on investigations, compliance, and regulatory matters related to cryptocurrencies and blockchain

    • Cybersecurity Specialist & Trainer
      Feb 2020 - Nov 2021 · 1 yr 10 mos

      Training the public and private sector within multiple disciplines including: - Cryptocurrencies & Blockchain - Cybercrime investigations - OSINT ( Basic | Advanced | Technical ) - IP interception

  • Politie Nederland (Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Nederland)
    • Generalist GGP - Cybercrimeteam Amsterdam-Oost
      Mar 2018 - Feb 2020 · 2 yrs

      Responsibilities: - Lead the Cybercrime Unit, overseeing investigations and strategic initiatives. - Provide advisory support for developing and reforming policies related to cybercrime prevention and response strategies.

    • Generalist GGP - Hoofdagent
      Jan 2008 - Feb 2018 · 10 yrs 2 mos

      Noodhulp | Recherche