In this conversation, Aidan Larkin sits down with Rich Lebel, Director of the Transaction Record Analysis Center (TRAC), to unpack the strategies law enforcement uses to stay ahead of digital money laundering and crypto-enabled fraud.
They examine sophisticated laundering schemes, the rise of crypto ATM fraud, and the challenges of cross-border investigations, highlighting why collaboration, training, and accountability are essential for effective asset recovery.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction and Background
03:00 – The Birth, Mission, and Growth of TRAC
08:57 – Data Collection and Its Implications
11:57 – The Rise of Crypto ATMs and Fraud
17:57 – Law Enforcement Challenges and Future Directions
33:05 – Regulating Bitcoin ATMs and Crypto Transactions
41:46 – International Cooperation and Training for Law Enforcement
About our Guest
Rich Lebel leads the Transaction Record Analysis Center (TRAC), using global money transfer data to support law enforcement in tackling money laundering, crypto-related fraud, and other financial crimes. With over 20 years in complex criminal investigations, he provides training, analytical insight, and champions international cooperation in asset recovery.
Key Takeaways
Origins of TRAC: TRAC was established following a settlement with Western Union, creating a centralised resource for law enforcement to access transactional data.
Role of Data Analysis: Analysing transactional data helps law enforcement identify crime patterns, trace funds, and anticipate emerging threats.
Evolving Money Laundering Tactics: The rise of crypto ATMs and digital assets has changed how criminals move and layer illicit funds, requiring new investigative approaches.
Challenges with Crypto ATMs: Crypto ATMs are frequently used for fraudulent activities, yet regulatory oversight in the US remains limited.
Importance of Data Sharing: Collaboration and data sharing between agencies are critical for effective investigations and adapting to rapidly changing criminal tactics.
Training and Awareness for Law Enforcement: Continuous training and awareness are essential for law enforcement to tackle new technologies and sophisticated money laundering methods.
Adapting to Criminal Innovation: Criminals are evolving quickly to evade detection, making proactive strategies and technology adoption vital for asset recovery efforts.
Resources Mentioned
Webinar: The Hard Truth About Asset Seizure
Crypto Training on Asset Reality’s Academy
TRAC on the Wall Street Journal
Miles Johnson on Seize & Desist
Stay Connected
Dive deeper into the world of asset recovery by subscribing to Seize & Desist.
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
In this episode of Seize and Desist, Aidan is joined by Nils von Schoenaich-Carolath (Chief Growth Officer at Tradias) to explore the challenges governments face when liquidating seized digital assets. They unpack the operational and regulatory hurdles involved, from compliance and whitelisting to best practices in asset management, and examine how collaboration with crypto-native institutions can support secure and effective liquidation.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction and Background
09:50 – The Liquidation Process for Seized Crypto
15:30 – Challenges and Best Practices in Asset Liquidation
26:00 – Understanding Market Dynamics: Bids, Asks & OTC Trades
32:40 – Operational Security & Preventing Transaction Errors
39:30 – The Future of Asset Management and Regulation
About our Guest
Nils von Schoenaich-Carolath is Chief Growth Officer at Tradias, the digital asset trading arm of Bankhaus Scheich. With a background in capital markets and digital finance, Nils plays a key role in developing infrastructure for institutional crypto trading and tokenization. He has led initiatives to support secure and compliant liquidation of seized digital assets, working closely with public authorities and legal experts. His work bridges traditional finance and blockchain innovation, helping shape the future of regulated digital asset markets.
Key Takeaways
Liquidating Seized Crypto: Managing seized digital assets is complex and requires precision to safeguard value, ensure compliance, and protect public funds.
Regulatory Clarity and Compliance: Clear frameworks and adherence to financial and legal standards are essential for transparent, traceable, and accountable asset management.
Operational Security: Robust controls, including whitelisting, test transfers, and dual oversight, are vital to prevent errors and minimise risk in asset handling.
Managing Market Impact: Large-scale liquidations can disrupt markets, so structured trades and careful planning are critical to maintain stability and confidence.
Collaboration and the Future of Asset Management: Effective recovery relies on coordination between public and private sectors, continuous learning, and exploring strategies like yield generation and smarter reinvestment.
Resources Mentioned
CNBC: Germany's $2 Billion Bitcoin Sale
FATF’s latest guidance on asset recovery
9th Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptoassets
Stay Connected
Dive deeper into the world of asset recovery by subscribing to Seize & Desist.
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
In this episode, Aidan speaks with Carmel King, Partner at Grant Thornton UK, about the role of insolvency practitioners and liquidators in recovering assets lost to fraud and financial crime, especially in the context of digital assets.
They discuss how these powers work alongside law enforcement efforts and why collaboration, trust, and clear communication between the public and private sectors are key to delivering better outcomes for victims.
Want to go deeper? Join our upcoming webinar, ‘Closing the Asset Recovery Gap’, on 14th October at 2pm UK | 9am EDT, where former law enforcement professionals draw on their cross-sector experience to explore how civil recovery routes work alongside law enforcement and how specialised technology platforms are strengthening coordination across sectors.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction and Background
04:00 – The Hidden Powers of Liquidators
09:00 – Bridging Public and Private Sector Efforts
16:00 – Real-World Cases & Lessons Learned
24:00 – Tackling Law Enforcement & Victim Challenges
30:00 – Crypto Recovery: Success Stories & Civil Routes
38:00 – Navigating Jurisdictional & Valuation Hurdles
45:00 – The Future of Asset Recovery & Collaboration
About our Guest
Carmel King is a Partner at Grant Thornton UK, where she leads the digital asset recovery team. With extensive experience in insolvency and asset recovery, Carmel specialises in combating financial crime and recovering assets for victims. Her work often involves collaboration with law enforcement and private sector professionals to navigate the complexities of cross-border asset recovery and the evolving landscape of crypto assets.
Key Takeaways
Insolvency as a Recovery Tool: Insolvency and liquidation powers provide a unique mechanism to recover assets lost to fraud, complementing traditional law enforcement efforts.
Collaboration Between Public and Private Sectors: Effective asset recovery relies on coordination between law enforcement, investigators, and private practitioners to overcome legal, technical, and operational challenges.
Digital Asset Challenges: Cryptocurrencies and other digital assets introduce new complexities, requiring specialised approaches to trace, value, and recover funds.
Preventing Re‑Victimisation: Awareness and education are critical to protect victims from fraudulent recovery schemes and ensure fair outcomes.
Evolving Landscape of Asset Recovery: Case studies and ongoing developments illustrate how the field is constantly changing, highlighting the importance of innovation, technology, and co‑operation.
Resources Mentioned
Crypto Fraud and Asset Recovery Network (CFAAR)
Met Police | Two people convicted following world's largest crypto seizure
Stay Connected
Dive deeper into the world of asset recovery by subscribing to Seize & Desist.
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
In this conversation, Aidan Larkin sits down with Dr. Max Bernt (TaxBit) to explore the future of asset recovery in a digital-first world. They dive into how data aggregation, crypto, and stablecoins are transforming investigations - and why practitioners have reason for optimism.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction and Background
04:00 – Inside the Digital Asset Recovery Ecosystem
09:48 – How TaxBit Bridges On-Chain and Off-Chain Data
16:00 – Real-World Cases & Lessons Learned
27:50 – Tackling Data Challenges & Regulatory Hurdles
32:09 – Stablecoins: Risks and Opportunities
40:49 – The Future of Financial Crime Investigations
51:03 – Why There’s Reason for Optimism in Recovery
About our Guest
Dr. Max Bernt is TaxBit’s Global Head of Regulatory Affairs and Managing Director for Europe. With a robust background in transnational criminal law and extensive experience in regulatory affairs, he advises on cases and policy involving cryptocurrency, financial crime, and digital asset recovery. Max has helped shape discussions around the intersection of law enforcement and crypto, exploring how data aggregation, stablecoins, and regulatory frameworks impact investigations and compliance.
Key Takeaways
Evolving Asset Recovery Ecosystem: Technology is driving the evolution of the asset recovery ecosystem, creating new tools and approaches for practitioners.
Importance of Data Aggregation: Effective investigations rely on robust data aggregation, helping practitioners identify patterns and trace assets efficiently.
Bridging On-Chain and Off-Chain Data: TaxBit serves as a critical bridge between on- and off-chain data, enabling more accurate and comprehensive investigations.
Impact of Regulatory Changes: Shifting regulations will have a significant effect on financial crime investigations, requiring practitioners to adapt strategies accordingly.
Opportunities and Challenges of Stablecoins: Stablecoins present both opportunities and challenges for investigators, influencing how digital assets are tracked and recovered.
Optimism for the Future of Asset Recovery: Despite the challenges, practitioners can be optimistic about future advancements, including improved efficiency, technology, and collaboration in the field.
Resources Mentioned
Stay Connected
Dive deeper into the world of asset recovery by subscribing to Seize & Desist:
https://link.cohostpodcasting.com/b36b929c-6ca3-4e49-8258-44c310d012c9?d=sG5Qi2MdL
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
In this conversation, Aidan Larkin sits down with Alison Jimenez, President of Dynamic Securities Analytics and AML expert witness, to unpack the realities of crypto crime, the challenges it poses for asset recovery, and the risks surrounding strategic Bitcoin reserves.
They explore how digital assets are used for illicit purposes, why a common industry definition matters, the critical role of the asset recovery ecosystem, and how geopolitical tensions can expose vulnerabilities in decentralized systems.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction and Background
00:30 – Defining Crypto Crime
00:59 – Asset Recovery Ecosystem
01:12 – Strategic Reserves and Security Risks
18:26 – Crypto's Role in Illicit Activities
28:58 – Analysing Crypto Crime Metrics
About our Guest
Alison Jimenez is the President of Dynamic Securities Analytics and an AML expert witness. As a former securities regulator and economist, she advises on financial crime cases, including fraud, corruption, and cryptocurrency scams. Alison has helped define crypto crime, exploring how digital assets enable illicit activity and highlighting the national security risks of Bitcoin strategic reserves.
Key Takeaways
Defining Crypto Crime: Establishing a common industry definition for crypto crime is essential for effectively addressing and understanding the misuse of cryptocurrency in illegal activities.
Asset Recovery Ecosystem: Asset recovery is crucial for reducing the financial incentives for crime, emphasizing its role in combating illicit finance.
Cross-Border Illicit Activities: Cryptocurrency facilitates cross-border illicit activities, posing challenges for law enforcement and necessitating international cooperation to address these issues effectively.
Decentralisation Challenges: Centralised chip production undermines crypto’s decentralisation, highlighting vulnerabilities in strategic reserves and the need for robust security measures.
National Security Risks: Strategic Bitcoin reserves pose national security risks due to geopolitical tensions, which can impact the security and stability of these reserves.
Resources Mentioned
Alison’s Securities Analytics blog
Amazon | There's No Such Thing as Crypto Crime by Nick Furneaux
Nick Furneaux on Seize & Desist
Miles Johnson on Seize & Desist
Stay Connected
Dive deeper into the world of asset recovery with Seize & Desist. Subscribe for exclusive insights into the stories that are redefining asset recovery:
https://link.cohostpodcasting.com/b36b929c-6ca3-4e49-8258-44c310d012c9?d=sG5Qi2MdL
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.
Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
In this conversation, Aidan Larkin explores the complexities of international money laundering with Miles Johnson, investigative reporter for the Financial Times and author of Chasing Shadows (2023).
Drawing on Miles’ reporting and research, they examine the intricate connections between organised crime and global finance, the challenges faced by law enforcement in dismantling these networks, and the geopolitical factors that influence the recovery of illicit assets.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
10:30 - The Intersection of Organised Crime and Financial Markets
18:45 - Challenges in Investigating Money Laundering
25:00 - The Role of the DEA and International Law Enforcement
32:20 - The Complexity of International Crime Networks
40:00 - Reflections on Chasing Shadows
About our Guest
Miles Johnson is an investigative journalist specialising in international organised crime and money laundering. As a reporter for the Financial Times, he has uncovered complex criminal networks, exposed the financial systems that enable illicit operations across borders, and been instrumental in bringing high-profile cross-border investigations to light to reveal the mechanisms that underpin global criminal enterprises.
Key Takeaways
Organised Crime and Financial Markets: Organised crime syndicates operate like sophisticated businesses, interacting with the financial world and exploiting its structures for money laundering.
Challenges in Investigating Money Laundering: Miles explains the intricate and resource-intensive nature of money laundering investigations, emphasising the need for robust legal frameworks and international cooperation to tackle these crimes effectively.
The Role of the DEA and International Law Enforcement: Aidan and Miles explore the DEA's expanded mandate post-9/11, its international operations, and the challenges faced in cross-border law enforcement efforts.
Complex International Crime Networks: The conversation highlights the multifaceted nature of global crime networks, involving diverse groups and activities, and the importance of understanding these dynamics for effective law enforcement.
Reflecting on Chasing Shadows: Miles' reflects on the realities of investigating international crime, the challenges faced by law enforcement, and the importance of accurate journalism in shedding light on these issues.
Resources Mentioned
Miles Johnson | Financial Times
Oliver Bullough on Seize & Desist
Stay Connected
Dive deeper into the world of asset recovery with Seize & Desist. Subscribe for exclusive insights into the stories that are redefining asset recovery: https://link.cohostpodcasting.com/b36b929c-6ca3-4e49-8258-44c310d012c9?d=sG5Qi2MdL
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
In this conversation, host Aidan Larkin discusses Interpol’s pivotal role in global law enforcement with Nick Court, the Assistant Director at Interpol's Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre. They explore the launch of the Silver Notice, a new tool designed to help recover criminal assets across borders, its potential to strengthen international cooperation, and what it could mean for the future of global law enforcement.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
02:15 - Role of Interpol in Global Law Enforcement
10:30 - Significance of the Silver Notice
18:45 - Challenges in Asset Recovery
25:00 - Importance of International Cooperation
32:20 - Impact of the Silver Notice Pilot Program
40:00 - Conclusion and Key Takeaways
About our Guest
Nick Court is a seasoned law enforcement professional with extensive experience in economic crime and asset recovery. Currently serving as the Assistant Director at Interpol's Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, Nick has dedicated his career to tackling financial crime on a global scale. With a background as a detective in the City of London Police, he has been instrumental in international investigations, particularly in fraud and cybercrime.
Key Takeaways
Role of Interpol in Global Law Enforcement: Nick Court highlights Interpol's unique position as the only global law enforcement organisation and how it drives international cooperation and intelligence sharing.
Significance of the Silver Notice: The Silver Notice is a strategic tool to enhance asset recovery by enabling countries to trace and identify criminal assets across borders.
Challenges in Asset Recovery: Nick explains the complexities and resource constraints law enforcement agencies face when recovering assets and why international collaboration is critical.
Importance of International Cooperation: Coordinated efforts among countries are essential to effectively combating financial crime and improving asset recovery outcomes.
Impact of the Silver Notice Pilot Program: The pilot program engages multiple countries to recover assets that would otherwise remain hidden, showcasing its potential to transform asset recovery efforts.
Resources Mentioned
INTERPOL publishes first Silver Notice targeting criminal assets
City of London Police secure Silver Notice against convicted fraudster
Dirty assets: the Silver Notice hits organized crime in its pocket
Stay Connected
Dive deeper into the world of asset recovery with Seize & Desist. Subscribe for exclusive insights into the stories that are redefining asset recovery.
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
In this episode, host Aidan Larkin delves into the intricate world of FATF compliance with Liz Lees, the former national coordinator for the Cayman Islands. They explore the unique challenges smaller jurisdictions face in aligning with global standards, emphasizing the pivotal role of asset recovery.
Join us as Liz shares her insights on building effective compliance frameworks and overcoming resource constraints. As Aidan and Liz unpack the complexities of compliance in these unique environments, discover how these financial hubs balance the demands of international regulations with the need to preserve their local integrity.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
05:12 - Understanding FATF Compliance
12:45 - Challenges in Smaller Jurisdictions
20:30 - The Role of Asset Recovery
28:15 - Building Effective Frameworks
35:50 - Overcoming Resource Constraints
42:00 - Balancing Global Standards and Local Integrity
50:10 - Conclusion and Key Takeaways
About our Guest
Liz Lees is a seasoned legal counsel and former National Coordinator to the Anti-Money Laundering Steering Group in the Cayman Islands. With extensive experience in financial compliance, Liz has been instrumental in shaping effective frameworks for smaller jurisdictions.
As the co-founder of Claritas Legal, Liz specialises in regulatory law and financial crime, advising governments, law enforcement agencies, and supervisory bodies on compliance with FATF standards.
Key Takeaways
Understanding FATF Standards: Liz Lees explains the importance of FATF standards in shaping global financial compliance and the role they play in asset recovery.
Challenges in Smaller Jurisdictions: The discussion highlights the unique challenges smaller jurisdictions face in implementing effective financial compliance frameworks.
The Evolving Landscape of Financial Crime: Insights into how financial crime is evolving, particularly with the rise of digital assets and the need for updated compliance measures.
Importance of Coordination: Emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts among governments, law enforcement, and financial institutions to effectively combat financial crime.
Resources Mentioned
Recent FATF Mutal Evaluation Reports
Stay Connected
Dive deeper into the world of asset recovery with Seize & Desist. Subscribe for exclusive insights into the stories that are redefining asset recovery.
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
“This is the model of Italian Renaissance banking.”
In this episode of Seize & Desist, host Aidan Larkin sits down with renowned financial crime journalist Oliver Bullough, author of Moneyland (2019) and Butler to the World (2022), to discuss why global money laundering continues to be an uphill battle despite decades of international effort.
Aidan and Oliver explore the roots and evolution of money laundering, from the Medici's of Renaissance Italy to the offshore shell companies of the Caribbean and the digital currencies of the future.
They also touch upon the UK’s pivotal role in facilitating illegal financial flows, the advent of hawala banking networks and the systemic challenges that impede effective asset recovery.
Timestamps
00:00 - Exploring the UK's Role in Money Laundering and Corruption
03:54 - Complex Global Money Laundering Challenges
11:23 - The Evolution of Value Transfer Systems Through History
16:06 - Rethinking Financial Crime Compliance
22:32 - Money Laundering's Influence on Global Crime
26:41 - The Role of Cash and Crypto in Crime Networks
30:45 - The Global Fight Against Money Laundering
38:28 - Recovering Covid-Related Fraud Payments
42:04 - Combating Corruption and Money Laundering
Resources Mentioned
About our Guest
Oliver Bullough is an award-winning journalist and author of Moneyland (2019) and Butler to the World (2022). He is known for his in-depth reporting on offshore finances and the role of the UK in facilitating corruption, with his work regularly being featured in the Guardian, the New York Times, GQ magazine, the Economist, and other places.
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
In our final conversation of the year, our SVP of Client Relations, Joanna Summers, sits down with Stefan Cassella, a former federal prosecutor with more than three decades of experience in international asset forfeiture who has authored over 50 law review articles and played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing federal asset forfeiture laws in the US and abroad.
In this episode, Joanna and Stef explore the growing role of cryptocurrency in criminal investigations and asset forfeiture, highlighting its use in money laundering, investment fraud, and sanctions evasion.
Together, they unpack the complexities of high-profile cases like Bitcoin Fog, the challenges posed by mixers and decentralised exchanges, and the significance of recent court rulings in legitimising blockchain analysis tools.
Stefan also shares practical advice for law enforcement and attorneys navigating the crypto landscape, highlighting the need for enhanced training and resources to address these evolving threats and the critical role of non-conviction-based asset forfeiture, or civil asset forfeiture, as a key law enforcement tool.
Timestamps
02:00 - Stef’s Background
03:00 - The Growing Role of Cryptocurrency in Asset Forfeiture
07:00 - Understanding Civil Asset Forfeiture
11:00 - Regulatory Challenges and the Future of Crypto Laws
14:30 - Complexities of Crypto Mixers and Decentralized Exchanges
19:30 - The Legitimacy of Blockchain Analysis Tools in Court
23:00 - Practical Advice for Law Enforcement and Attorneys in Crypto Forfeiture
24:00 - Insights from Stefan’s Money Laundering and Forfeiture Digest
26:00 - Key Challenges in Crypto Asset Forfeiture
Resources Mentioned
About our Guest:
Stefan Cassella is a former federal prosecutor with more than three decades of experience in international asset forfeiture who has authored over 50 law review articles and played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing federal asset forfeiture laws in the USA and abroad.
Today, as the founder of Asset Forfeiture Law, he continues to provide invaluable guidance to law enforcement, private law firms, and financial institutions by providing expert witness services, training, and legal guidance.
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
In this special episode of Seize & Desist, our host, Aidan Larkin, sits down with blockchain intelligence specialist, author and Asset Reality co-founder Nick Furneaux for a behind-the-scenes look at his second book, ‘There’s No Such Thing As Crypto Crime’, and the challenges of writing it over the last two years while balancing work, family, and building a house.
Nick shares his journey from leaving school at 16 with no qualifications to becoming one of the world’s foremost authorities in crypto investigations, having analyzed over $20 billion worth of crypto-related crime and trained thousands of investigators globally.
Aidan and Nick also discuss the growing challenges for law enforcement, the role of AI in fighting scams, the rise of organised crypto crime, and why education and better training are essential for tackling the evolving world of cryptocurrency.
Timestamps
02:00 - Nick’s background
06:00 - Nick’s first experience with crypto
14:00 - Lessons from Yap Island: How Public Ledgers Work
16:00 - Why investigators must understand crypto
18:00 - Why so many scams use cryptocurrency
25:00 - Understanding the appeal of Bitcoin ATMs
33:00 - The challenges presented by AI
38:30 - Building a future of accessible crypto education
Resources Mentioned
About our Guest
Nick Furneaux is a leading blockchain intelligence specialist with over 20 years of experience in computer security and forensics. He is the author of ‘Investigating Cryptocurrencies’ (2018) and ‘There’s No Such Thing As Crypto Crime’ (2024), the only books focused on investigating crypto-related criminal activity. Nick also serves as a Blockchain Intelligence Expert at TRM Labs and is the co-founder of Asset Reality.
Over the course of his career, Nick has contributed to high-profile investigations in fraud, murder, terrorism, and child protection, focusing on live data acquisition, volatile data analysis, and the role of cryptocurrency in criminal activity.
A sought-after speaker at global conferences such as SOCEX and ACFE, Nick regularly provides training to governments, law enforcement, and corporations worldwide on advanced forensic techniques.
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
“If the decision-makers keep deciding that digital assets are just this fringe thing, there’s going to be a missed opportunity”
In this episode of Seize & Desist, our host, Aidan Larkin, explores tax compliance and enforcement in cryptocurrency with Miles Fuller, the director of government solutions at Taxbit, former senior counsel with the IRS Office of Chief Counsel and former Special Assistant United States Attorney.
Miles shares his background in tax litigation with the IRS and provides insights into how Taxbit helps to trace criminal assets by combining on-chain and off-chain data to gain a comprehensive view of an individual's tax obligations.
They also discuss the suitability of existing digital asset seizure legislation, the IRS’ use of John Doe summons to obtain information from exchanges and the delicate balance between ensuring privacy in cryptocurrency transactions and preventing tax evasion before examining and speculating on the future of tax-related asset seizures.
Timestamps
00:00 - Special Announcement - Asset Reality’s partnership with Taxbit
03:00 - Miles’ background with the IRS
07:00 - Investigative tools and data aggregation in asset seizures
10:30 - Tracing tools and address attribution in tax investigations
11:30 - Integrating complex financial data for tax calculations
13:00 - Streamlining financial investigations with crypto data tools
16:00 - Challenges of detecting fraud in the virtual asset space
21:00 - John Doe Summons in tax evasion investigations
26:00 - Balancing privacy and compliance in blockchain transactions
32:30 - Challenges of virtual asset seizures by governments
41:00 - The future of tax compliance in the digital asset era
Resources Mentioned
About our Guest:
Miles Fuller is the Director of Government Solutions at Taxbit.
As a former senior counsel with the IRS Office of Chief Counsel and former Special Assistant United States Attorney, Miles has a wealth of experience in tax-related asset seizures, having represented the IRS before the United States Tax Court, and has deep expertise in virtual asset tax and compliance issues, including regulatory guidance and policy development. Miles is also skilled in advanced investigation techniques for digital assets and has played a pivotal role in developing strategies to navigate the complexities of digital currency regulations.
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
“The bad guys are going to continue to find ways to hide money in plain sight.”
In this episode, Asset Reality’s US Compliance Officer David Tyree shares his experiences with asset seizures while working as a Resident Agent in Charge at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
David explores the complexities of non-conviction-based forfeiture with our host Aidan Larkin, emphasising the importance of tracing the assets back to criminal activities and the influence of adverse media on law enforcement decisions.
They also delve into the global challenges in asset recovery, consider how public and private sector partnerships can help tackle future obstacles in the field, explore the social reuse of seized assets and discuss why criminals prefer jail time over asset confiscation.
Timestamps
00:00 - Special Announcement - Register for Seize: London
00:00 - Special Announcement - Virtual Assets Transfer Fundamentals Certification
04:30 - Fighting Crime Through Asset Forfeiture
07:40 - Navigating Controversies in Civil Asset Forfeiture
18:00 - The Challenges of Seizing Cash
24:00 - Civil Forfeiture Process Explained
29:30 - Opportunities in Global Asset Recovery
36:00 - Reinvesting Seized Assets for Community Benefit
40:30 - Solutions in Crypto Asset Seizure and Forfeiture
Resources Mentioned
About our Guest
David Tyree is the US Compliance Officer for Asset Reality, following a 25-year career as a Special Agent for the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Throughout his service, David specialised in identifying, disrupting and dismantling sophisticated money laundering networks around the world, with a strong emphasis on investigating Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) which resulted in the forfeiture of over $80 million in criminal proceeds.
Since 2004, David has been a regular instructor for the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), the United States Attorney’s Office and the United States Department of Justice.
Based on David’s successful contributions to asset forfeiture in the US, he was designated in Federal Court as a money laundering detection and prevention subject matter expert and also consults as a subject matter expert for assetforfeiturelaw.us.
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
“No one's taking action without a court order.”
In this special episode, we explore the complexities of cryptocurrency seizures with Joanna Summers, our SVP of Client Relations and resident seized asset specialist, after an extended introduction from David Tyree, our US Compliance Officer and former Resident Agent in Charge at the DEA.
Aidan and Joanna unpack the latest asset seizure headlines and discuss the nuances of dealing with seized assets, including the legal and operational challenges of maintaining their value for eventual disposal or return.
They also touch on the speculative nature of cryptocurrency, the ongoing debate around privacy coins, and the potential future of cryptocurrency seizure and management policies.
Don’t forget to register for Asset Reality’s seized asset webinar on Thursday, 29th August, at 3pm BST (10am ET) to join us as we review the latest industry best practices and discover practical ways to enhance asset seizure, management and disposal processes in the public sector.
Register to secure your spot today:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7217245339671/WN_8AkKbl-LQEm-xLkS3kksGg
Timestamps
00:00 - Register for Asset Reality's Seized Asset Webinar
01:00 - Extended Introduction from David Tyree
06:00 - Aidan's introduction
07:00 - Joanna's background
08:30 - Legalities of handling seized assets
11:00 - Complexities of government seizures
16:45 - US attitudes towards privacy coins
25:30 - Civil forfeiture vs criminal forfeiture
29:00 - Safely disposing of cryptocurrencies
37:40 - Social reuse of seized assets
39:45 - Extended outro from David Tyree
Resources Mentioned
About our Guest
Joanna Summers is the Senior Vice President of Client Relations and resident seized asset specialist at Asset Reality.
As the former Assistant Chief of the Asset Forfeiture Division Complex Assets Unit at the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Joanna led her team to build the USMS Cryptocurrency program, beginning with the landmark Silk Road Bitcoin seizure.
Under her guidance, the program oversaw the custody, management, and disposal of all ongoing business and complex financial instruments that are subject to forfeiture, evolving from conducting sealed bid auctions to implementing a streamlined liquidation process via cryptocurrency exchanges.
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
“It’s going to be pivotal for us to keep up with where criminals are going”
In this episode, Aidan and Kristen explore the future direction of cryptocurrency compliance.
Kristen shares her perspective on the international effectiveness of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the challenges of implementing the travel rule, and the significance of sanctions in asset recovery to combat financial crime.
They also explore the role of stablecoins in the evolving financial landscape, the potential use of AI by criminals and the implications of this technology for compliance professionals.
Timestamps
03:00 Kristen’s background in cross-sector compliance
07:00 Scrutiny on crypto companies and enforcement actions
10:30 The influence and challenges of FATF in financial regulation
22:30 Future of crypto enforcement and stablecoins in the US
28:30 The complexities of managing frozen and sanctioned assets
34:00 The future of AI in compliance and fraud detection
37:30 Positivity in financial crime compliance
Resources Mentioned
About our Guest
Kristen Hecht brings a wealth of expertise from her long career in financial crime prevention and compliance.
For several years, she worked closely with the US Treasury Department as a Senior Advisor in the Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes (OFAC) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), before transitioning to the private sector, where she developed regulatory frameworks for financial crimes at HSBC China, Meta, and Binance.
Kristen is also a regional ambassador for the Association of Women in Cryptocurrency in France and the San Francisco Bay Area, an advisor for compliance and regulatory matters at DeFi startup Moonberg, and the Chief Compliance Officer for an undisclosed project that is currently in Stealth Mode.
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
“Money laundering is often very boring…Crypto is new. It’s exciting. It’s different.”
This time on ‘Seize & Desist’, our host Aidan Larkin is joined by investigative journalist Geoff White, author of ‘The Lazarus Heist’, ‘Crime Dot Com’, and ‘Rinsed’.
In this episode, Aidan and Geoff explore the influence of modern technology on money laundering and its ties to transnational organised crime. They examine how criminals have exploited advancements in digital asset infrastructure to hide their illegal activities and emphasise the important role of investigative journalism in illuminating financial investigations involving on-chain and off-chain activity.
They also discuss the difficulties of tracking illicit transactions in cryptocurrency, the influence of faster payments, and the future implications of AI-driven crimes.
Timestamps
06:30 - Explaining Cryptocurrency and Asset Recovery to the Unfamiliar
07:30 - Investigative Journalism in the Digital Age of Financial Crime
14:00 - The Underperformance of Global Asset Recovery
18:00 - Crypto and Traditional Finance in Money Laundering
19:00 - Cash-to-Crypto On-Ramp Methods
22:00 - Cryptocurrency and Drug Trafficking
24:00 - Crypto's Role in Modern Criminal Enterprises
26:45 - Crypto vs Traditional Finance Prosecutions
29:00 - Balancing Crypto Adoption with Safety and Regulation
32:00 - Crypto Asset Recovery and Immutable Blockchain Evidence
34:00 - AI-Powered Crypto Thefts
36:30 - The Controversial Role of Mixers in Crypto
Resources Mentioned:
About our Guest:
Geoff White is an accomplished author, speaker, investigative journalist, and podcast creator specialising in the intersection of organised crime and technology.
For the past twenty years, Geoff has informed and entertained audiences on financial crime risks, money laundering, cryptocurrency, and the personal data trade. His work has been featured by BBC News, Channel 4, Sky News, The Sunday Times and many others.
His latest book, Rinsed, explores how technology has transformed the world of money laundering. Geoff is also the author of The Lazarus Heist, about North Korea's global cyber warfare, and Crime Dot Com, which delves into the history of hacking.
In addition to his books, Geoff has created and presented several successful podcast series for Amazon’s Audible, including The Dark Web, which exposes the internet's hidden underbelly, and Cybercrime Investigations, which takes listeners inside the world of an investigative journalist.
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
“The day will come that the world will begin to tokenise other real-world assets.”
In this episode, Aidan is joined by Gurvais Grigg, Chainalysis's Global Public Sector Chief Technology Officer and a former Assistant Director at the FBI.
Together, they examine how blockchain analytics is transforming asset seizure practices by providing law enforcement with crucial new insights for financial investigations.
Gurvais offers his insights into the future of digital finance investigations and the influence of blockchain technology on various sectors. The conversation explores the significance of following the money, building effective infrastructure in digital finance, and creating a more frictionless economy by representing physical assets through blockchain tokens.
Timestamps
06:00 - Following the Money to Combat Crime
09:00 - Gurvais’ Journey From Healthcare Fraud to Blockchain Analytics
11:30 - Explaining the Blockchain Assets to Non-Technical Audiences
15:00 - The Power of Blockchain Analytics in Financial Crime Investigations
25:00 - Building Effective Asset Recovery Programs Amid Challenges
31:00 - Leveraging Blockchain Analytics for Tax and Asset Recovery
40:00 - Representing Physical Assets Through Blockchain Tokens
Resources Mentioned:
About our Guest:
Gurvais Grigg is the Global Public Sector Chief Technology Officer at Chainalysis and Former Assistant Director at the FBI.
With over 29 years of distinguished experience in national security, law enforcement, and private sector investigations, Gurvais has been instrumental in leading numerous high-stakes criminal and national security investigations, specialising in tracking suspected terrorists, spies, and criminals.
His leadership extends to designing and implementing advanced operational and technical capabilities, positioning him as a recognised authority in the intersection of technology and security.
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
“You have to fight AI with AI.”
In this episode, we're bringing you a special conversation with Matt O’Neil, co-founder and partner at 50H Consulting and former Deputy Special Agent in Charge of Cyber at the US Secret Service.
Matt shares his unique insights and experiences with our host, Aidan Larkin. Together, they delve into the challenges of asset recovery and forfeiture, especially those concerning cyber-enabled fraud.
They discuss why the Secret Service investigates financial crimes, the importance of leveraging emerging technologies like AI to combat sophisticated transnational cybercrime and the necessity for enhanced information-sharing practices between the public and private sectors.
Timestamps
00:00 - Matt’s journey with the US Secret Service
05:00 - Using asset seizures to fight cyber-enabled fraud
09:30 - The Secret Service's role in investigating financial crime
12:00 - Challenges in asset recovery and forfeiture
15:00 - Operation Shamrock and enhancing cross-sector information-sharing
22:30 - Reimagining regulations for technology and finance
29:00 - Understanding a typical scam case
31:30 - Leveraging AI to combat transnational crime
35:30 - Future trends in financial crime and asset recovery
Resources Mentioned:
About our Guest:
Matt O’Neil has over 25 years of experience disrupting and dismantling financially motivated transnational organised criminal groups with the US Secret Service.
As the former Managing Director of the USSS Global Cyber Investigative Operations Center (GIOC) and Cyber Intelligence Section (CIS), Matt was instrumental in coordinating international takedowns of digital money laundering networks and dark web marketplaces. His efforts led to the prosecution of globally notorious cybercriminals responsible for stealing and laundering billions. He also led their Asset Forfeiture Branch to successfully recover more than US$2 billion in seized assets in just 2 years.
Since retiring from the Secret Service, Matt has dedicated himself to raising awareness for the threats posed by transnational organised crimes like pig butchering, ransomware and phishing.
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
“As long as you have these continued gaps in the global regulatory framework around crypto, it’s…too easy for criminals to launder funds.”
In this episode, recorded on April 30th, Aidan and David discuss everything from his early encounters with crypto and his journey into the space to the insights on the evolution of crypto crime shared in his book, ‘The Crypto Launderers’.
Together, they explore the different regulatory approaches to digital money laundering, shed light on why crypto transactions get so much attention from regulators and speculate on the exciting future of cryptocurrency investigations, including the impact of emerging technologies like the metaverse and artificial intelligence.
Timestamps
03:30 - An Accidental Journey into Cryptocurrency Compliance
05:00 - Understanding Anti-Money Laundering Measures in Finance
09:30 - Cryptocurrency Regulation in an Evolving Industry
12:00 - Regulatory Compliance as a Competitive Advantage
15:00 - Balancing Compliance Costs with Anti-Money Laundering
20:00 - Global Disparities in Cryptocurrency Regulation
21:00 - The Complex Evolution of Cryptocurrency in Illicit Finance
25:00 - Blockchain: The Immutable Ledger of Cryptocurrency Transactions
30:00 - Evolving Tactics in Cryptocurrency Crime and Law Enforcement
35:00 - The Future of Global Money Laundering Prevention
37:00 - Evolving Challenges in International Law Enforcement
Resources Mentioned:
About our Guest:
David Carlisle wears many hats: he's the Vice President of Policy and Regulatory Affairs at Elliptic, an Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)'s Centre for Financial Crime and Security Studies (CFS) and the Author of “The Crypto Launderers: Crime and Cryptocurrencies from the Dark Web to DeFi and Beyond”.
As a former Policy Advisor to the US Treasury’s Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes, David is a respected authority on the intersection of cryptocurrency crime, technology and public policy. He regularly shares his expertise on digital money laundering, regulatory compliance frameworks and sanctions compliance with major media outlets to help shed light on this intricate subject.
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.
“The speed at which this happens is faster than anything we’ve seen before.”
In this episode, Seize & Desist host Aidan Larkin is joined by Jarod Koopman, the Executive Director of Cyber and Forensic Services at IRS Criminal Investigations.
As the only federal law enforcement agency to focus completely on fighting financial crimes, IRS Criminal Investigations has seized more digital assets than any other agency in the world. Aidan and Jarod discuss the secret to IRS-CI’s status as a world leader in digital currency investigations, the reliability of blockchain analytics data in court and the lasting impact of asset seizures on criminal behaviour.
Jarod shares his thoughts on the legitimacy of cryptocurrency transactions, the necessary compliance guidelines, and the parallels between Brazilian jiu-jitsu and cryptocurrency investigations.
Timestamps
01:00 - IRS's Expertise in Cybercrime and Asset Seizures
05:30 - Unveiling the Success Behind Major Investigations
07:00 - Revolutionizing Transactional Analysis with Blockchain Tools
11:30 - Collaborative Innovation in Cybercrime Investigations
13:30 - Evaluating FATF's Effectiveness in Asset Recovery
16:00 - Balancing Privacy and Crime Prevention
19:30 - Explaining Cryptocurrency Mixers and Blockchain Laundering
20:00 - Legitimate Uses of Cryptocurrency Amongst the Illicit Activity
25:30 - The Impact of Asset Seizure in Fighting Crime
30:00 - Law Enforcement and the Evolving Digital Landscape
33:00 - Fostering Resilience and Innovation
36:00 - Why Martial Arts Promotes Success in the Investigative Services
41:00 - Civil Forfeiture in Asset Recovery
44:00 - Validating Blockchain Analytics in Legal Judgments
Resources Mentioned:
About our Guest:
Jarod Koopman is the Executive Director of Cyber and Forensic Services at IRS Criminal Investigations and a black belt in Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu.
He joined the IRS directly after college, rising through the ranks to become the agency's first director of cybercrime. In this role, Jarod oversees all global operations involving cyber and forensic activities, including policy, procedures, budget and investigative services. He also oversees the operation of their new centralised Advanced Collaboration and Data Center (ACDC) which specialises in training and support for crypto compliance.
Disclaimer
Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed.
Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.