Join Thomas as he speaks with Martin Dubbey, a former UK drug liaison officer turned international investigator, whose career spans from narcotics investigations in Customs and Excise to exposing one of the most audacious doping scandals in modern sport. 

Martin shares how his transition into private investigation led him to work alongside whistleblower Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov in uncovering the Russian state-sponsored doping programme during the Sochi Olympics, featured in the award-winning Netflix documentary Icarus. He details the forensic methods used to reveal tampered samples, FSB interference, and a doping scheme approved at the highest levels of government. 

Together, they explore how international corruption investigations unfold, the geopolitical power plays behind sports, and the looming threats posed by online betting and AI-driven fraud. 

Tune in for a compelling look at the murky intersection of sport, politics, and integrity. 

Join Thomas as he dives into a fascinating conversation with Sarah Lewis OBE OLY, Olympic ski racer turned Secretary General of the International Skiing Federation (FIS), where she spent over two decades leading one of sport’s most crucial but complex battles - anti-doping. 

From the explosive Lahti scandal in 2001 to the shocking revelations at the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002, Sarah recounts the turbulent events that reshaped winter sports forever. Drawing from her extensive leadership experience, she explains how FIS overhauled its anti-doping framework - separating medical and enforcement roles, implementing groundbreaking blood monitoring programs, and establishing truly independent testing and appeal systems. 

Together, they explore the psychology behind doping, the role of technology in both enabling and preventing abuse, and the delicate balance between protecting athletes and preserving sport's integrity. Sarah also looks ahead, offering bold ideas for the future - including enhanced international cooperation, stronger education, and closer ties with law enforcement. 

Tune in for a gripping deep dive into the underbelly of elite sport, and the relentless pursuit of a level playing field. 

In this episode, Ian Smith, Commissioner of the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC), explores the fast-growing world of esports and its integrity challenges. Drawing from his experience tackling match-fixing in cricket, Ian explains his move into esports, where competitive gaming has surged in popularity, with players earning significant incomes and millions of fans. 

Key issues include cheating through software hacks and second-screen monitoring, and match-fixing driven by large betting markets. ESIC addresses these with anti-cheat tools, betting monitoring, and sanctions, though the decentralised nature of esports complicates regulation. 

The episode highlights the need for stronger governance as digital worlds grow more immersive. 

In this episode, Thomas sits down with Neville Blackwood, a seasoned international law enforcement consultant and former senior police officer, to delve into the complexities of global policing.  

Neville recounts his journey from joining Thames Valley Police in 1982 to leading undercover operations against organised crime in Europe, which fueled his passion for international law enforcement.  

The conversation highlights the formidable challenges of working in developing nations, where issues like corruption and political instability often impede progress. Neville shares valuable insights from his experiences in conflict zones like Somalia and Iraq, emphasising the need for culturally tailored approaches. This episode also spotlights Neville’s work in the Maldives, where he was tasked with investigating politically motivated murders and disappearances.   

The episode explores the critical role of technology in combating transnational crime and Neville’s vision for the future of global law enforcement by 2030. This episode offers a rare, insider perspective on the intricacies of maintaining international security in a rapidly changing world. 

Join Thomas as he delves into an enthralling conversation with Phil Suddick, the Head of Sport and Safeguarding at Clue Software, unravelling his remarkable career journey from law enforcement to becoming a torchbearer for sports integrity.  

Drawing from his specialised background in covert operations, Phil unveils how his prowess in undercover intelligence work paved the way for his seamless transition into the realm of sports, notably as an investigator at the International Tennis Integrity Agency. Together, they unravel the evolving impact of technology on investigations and the persistent challenges of match-fixing, doping, and corruption within sports. Phil offers a intriguing glimpse into the future, predicting how these threats might morph by 2030. 

Tune in to this episode, essential listening for anyone intrigued by the fusion of law enforcement and sports integrity. 

Thomas joins Adam Pacifico, as the lawyer and leadership podcaster shares his unconventional career trajectory from barrister to police officer and back.

This episode explores how technology shaped Adam’s work in law over the years and underscores the importance of meticulous detail and rationale in investigations. Discover how the passage of time influences memory and decision-making and learn about the challenges of conveying complex information to non-experts like juries.

Host of the podcast The Leadership Enigma, Adam traverses the rise of human-centred leadership and the guiding force of personal purpose in navigating uncertainty.

Finally, the pair delve into the potential benefits and risks of AI in criminal justice and intelligence work, the critical need for data quality and transparency, and the importance of adaptability and a learning mindset for the future.

Join Thomas as he delves into the intricate world of organised crime and technology with Matt Horne, a former detective with a distinguished 30-year career in law enforcement. As the former Deputy Director of Investigations at the National Crime Agency, Matt led Operation Venetic, a groundbreaking UK operation that dismantled an encrypted communications network used by criminals worldwide (more on this in a future episode). 

In this episode, Matt shares insight into how organised crime syndicates leverage technological advancements to boost their operations, from pandemic-era financial frauds to using legitimate businesses as fronts for illegal activities. Despite the surge in cybercrime, traditional methods of violence and intimidation still dominate. 

Tune in for a riveting discussion on the evolving landscape of organised crime, the challenges of technological progress, and the future of law enforcement in countering these sophisticated threats. 

In this compelling episode, Thomas sits down with Peter Spindler to delve into his distinguished career in law enforcement, spotlighting his pivotal role in Operation Yewtree. Spindler shares his journey from joining the police to spearheading one of the most significant investigations in UK history - the probe into sexual abuse allegations against Jimmy Savile and others. 

Listeners will gain a firsthand understanding of the origins and outcomes of Operation Yewtree following the wave of allegations triggered by a revealing TV programme. Spindler discusses how this landmark investigation prompted a surge in the reporting of sexual abuse cases across the UK and the intricate challenges of investigating historical abuse cases while determining prosecutable claims. He also reflects on the critical lessons learned and how they have reshaped the handling and support of sexual abuse investigations. Additionally, we explore emerging threats, including the evolving impact of technology on vulnerable populations. 

Join us for an eye-opening discussion that not only revisits past injustices but also looks forward to how law enforcement can better protect future generations. 

Join Thomas as he enters the complex world of financial crime with reformed fraudster Alex Wood, and Clue Software’s Director of Intelligence and Investigations, Matt Horne, a seasoned former law enforcement leader and economic crime expert. 

With raw honesty, Alex recounts his past transgressions, unveiling how he exploited vulnerabilities to orchestrate cyber-enabled fraud, leaving a trail of deception that engulfed businesses in losses of millions. Drawing from his time behind bars where he was free to learn sophisticated tradecraft from other convicted fraudsters, Alex divulges insider tactics such as social engineering and spoofing technology. He offers a surreal peek into his earlier crimes, including his stint impersonating the Duke of Marlborough. 

On the other side of the table, Matt provides a law enforcement perspective, shedding light on the proactive strategies employed to target high-harm offenders like Alex. This episode offers unique insight and contrasting perspectives for those navigating the complex landscape of financial crime and fraud prevention.  

Joining the Dots provides real-world insights from those dedicated to justice, harm reduction, and global security. Hosted by Thomas Drohan, technologist and co-founder of Clue Software, each episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of those on the frontline tackling real issues like child abuse, human trafficking, corruption, organised crime, and fraud.

Thomas leverages his experience working with diverse intelligence and investigations teams to explore candid conversations with victims, perpetrators, investigators, leaders, tech experts, and academics. Joining the Dots highlights the tireless efforts and innovative strategies making our world safer. 

Coming in June 2024. 

Subscribe and tune in to hear from the often-unsung heroes committed to real change.