The Bermuda Police Service have received training from the United States Secret Service on combating financial crime.

The one-day course, taught by instructors of the New York field office, covered topics such as cybercrime and cryptocurrency.

Acting Detective Superintendent Jason Smith said 30 officers from a range of units took part.

He added: “We have cast that net very wide to ensure that all officers have the benefit of this training.”

Mr Smith said the BPS had a long history of working with the Secret Service, which has played an integral role in police investigations.

He said: “The Bermuda Police Service are grateful for the US Consul in Bermuda for helping to facilitate this training course as we continue to better enhance our officers’ training capabilities as it relates to cryptocurrency and counterfeit currency.”

Acting US Consul General Vanja Vukota said the training was not in response to any specific incident but reflected an enduring partnership and shared commitment to economic security — safeguarding financial systems at national and international levels.

Mr Smith said the BPS received an “unprecedented number” of cybercrime reports last year, and observed an increase in the circulation of counterfeit currency during the summer as more tourists travel to the island.

Patrick Freaney, special agent in charge of the New York field office, said the agency was looking to enhance its partnership with the BPS.

He said the relationship was expanded through the training course, which shed light on the use of virtual, digital and counterfeit currency.

He added: “Fraudsters and schemers know no boundaries and what happens here in Bermuda or throughout the world could in fact impact communities worldwide.”

Mr Freaney said more than $20 million in counterfeit currency was confiscated by law enforcement agencies last year.

In the US, scammers committed more than $5 billion worth of fraud using digital currencies, with law enforcement agencies fielding more than 70,000 complaints.