Cryptoasset Anti-Financial Crime Specialist (CCAS) Certification Practice Test

Why is it not advisable for an analyst to contact a customer when investigating suspicious transactions?

1. It might compromise the investigation

2. The customer may provide false information

3. The process requires official legal channels

4. Transactions must remain confidential

The correct answer is: It might compromise the investigation

When investigating suspicious transactions, contacting a customer is generally discouraged because it could compromise the integrity of the investigation. Engaging with the customer might alert them to the inquiry, potentially leading them to alter their behavior or take steps to conceal further suspicious activities. This preemptive action by the customer can hinder the ability to gather critical evidence and disrupt the investigation's progress. The other options touch on important considerations but do not capture the primary concern. While false information can be a risk, especially if the customer is involved in wrongdoing, this doesn't address the broader impact on the investigation's integrity itself. Official legal channels may be necessary in certain situations, particularly if law enforcement intervention is required, but this is not a general rule that applies to all investigations. Confidentiality is crucial in many investigative processes, but the foremost reason against contacting customers relates directly to the potential risk of compromising the entire investigation. Thus, avoiding contact with the customer helps ensure that the investigation can unfold without interference.