Aidan Larkin talks with Canadian lawyer Jessica Stansfield about the evolving landscape of digital asset recovery. From tackling cryptocurrency fraud to navigating the complexities of tracing assets on the blockchain, Jessica shares her experience helping victims overcome legal and enforcement challenges. She also explores emerging trends, the growing role of technology in asset recovery, and the provocative debate around the idea that ‘Code is Law.’

Timestamps 

00:00 – Introduction and Background

03:00 – Asset Recovery in the Digital Age

09:00 – The Role of Blockchain in Asset Recovery

12:00 – Victim Perspectives in Cryptocurrency Fraud

18:00 – Legal Framework for Asset Recovery in Canada

23:55 – Future Trends in Asset Recovery and Code is Law

About our Guest

Jessica Stansfield is a leading authority in digital asset recovery and fraud litigation. As a Canadian commercial litigator, she has built a reputation for tackling complex cases involving cryptocurrency and emerging technologies. Known for her innovative approach, she leverages open-source intelligence and cutting-edge legal frameworks to trace and reclaim digital assets.  

Key Takeaways

Complexity in Asset Recovery: Fragmented frameworks and jurisdictional hurdles make asset recovery a challenging area of law that requires creative legal strategies and innovative investigative techniques.

Digital Asset Fraud on the Rise: The explosion of cryptocurrency and digital assets has created new avenues for fraud, from elaborate scams to meme coin price manipulation, demanding specialised legal expertise to protect victims and recover stolen funds. 

Power of Open-Source Intelligence: Publicly available data enables asset tracing without traditional legal constraints, making open-source intelligence a game-changer in fraud investigations. 

Canadian Legal Tools: Canada’s courts provide powerful mechanisms for asset recovery. Mareva injunctions can freeze assets, while Norwich orders compel disclosure of critical information.

Global Cooperation Matters: International collaboration is vital for overcoming jurisdictional challenges and ensuring effective enforcement across multiple legal systems. 

The ‘Code is Law’ Debate: As smart contracts become more prevalent, ethical and legal questions arise. Should exploiting code loopholes be considered fraud?

Future-Proofing Asset Recovery: Shifts in regulatory enforcement and judicial interpretation will define how asset recovery adapts to emerging technologies and new forms of fraud. 

Resources

Weirfoulds | Jessica Stansfield - Insights

BBC News | Quadriga: The cryptocurrency exchange that lost $135m

Weirfoulds | Rule of Law ‘2’, Code is Law ‘0’?

The Globe and Mail Feature | Medjedovic Case

Seize & Desist - Erin West

Asset Recovery International | Dublin Feb 25 - 27

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Dive deeper into 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. 

What does it take to fight economic crime on a global scale? 

In this episode of Seize and Desist, Aidan Larkin speaks with Adrian Searle, former director of the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC), who takes us inside its unique multi-agency approach to tackling financial crime.

Adrian explains why collaboration across law enforcement, government, and the private sector matters, how global information sharing is reshaping the fight, and the roles of technology and AI in driving global financial intelligence and asset recovery. 

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and Background 

03:00 - Bridging Public and Private Sectors Responses

13:30 – Collaboration and Information Sharing

20:00– Technology and AI in Economic Crime 

43:55 – Future Directions and Challenges in Asset Recovery 

About our Guest

Adrian Searle is a leading authority on economic crime and financial intelligence. As former Director of the UK’s National Economic Crime Centre (NECC), he helped shape a multi-agency approach to tackling financial crime, driving collaboration between law enforcement, government, and industry. Today, Adrian works in the private sector, championing innovation, real-time intelligence sharing, and technology-driven solutions to strengthen asset recovery and disrupt illicit finance. 

Key Takeaways

NECC’s Multi-Agency Model: The UK’s National Economic Crime Centre (NECC) is a uniquely collaborative unit that unites agencies to combat economic crime more effectively, enabling a full-spectrum approach to economic crime.

Collaboration as a Force Multiplier: Meaningful cooperation across law enforcement, government, and industry is essential to disrupting economic crime.  

Global Information Sharing at Scale: Robust domestic and international information sharing is vital to addressing fast-moving economic crime threats.

Quality Over Quantity in Data: A focus on higher-quality data is critical for better insights, decision-making, and operational outcomes. 

Real-Time Financial Crime Intervention: Real-time detection and intervention, especially in the realm of cryptoassets, offer promising new avenues for halting illicit activities as they occur. 

Technology and AI as Enablers: There is a significant opportunity to leverage emerging technologies and AI for better data interpretation and intelligence processing, although challenges like data integration and accuracy remain significant hurdles. 

Resources

National Crime Agency (NCA) | National Economic Crime Centre (NECC) 

LinkedIn | National Economic Crime Centre (NECC) 

NCA | 10 years of the Joint Money Laundering Intelligence Taskforce (JMLIT) 

Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) 

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. 

When billions in dirty money move through hidden pipelines, who stops it?  

In this episode, Aidan Larkin speaks with investigative journalist and co-founder of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), Paul Radu, about the uphill battle to reclaim stolen assets.

Paul reveals how real estate has become a global laundromat for illicit cash and why political will and public accountability are often missing from the fight. They delve into the collision of cash and crypto in laundering schemes, the role of technology in exposing networks, and why professional enablers must be held accountable for facilitating financial crime. 

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and Background 

03:00 – Scale of Illicit Finance and Asset Recovery 

08:50 – Real Estate, Political Will, and Law Enforcement Challenges 

17:45 – Public Accountability, Global Coordination, and Citizen Involvement 

23:50 – Technology, Crypto, and the Future of Money Laundering 

29:55 – Transparency, Professional Enablers, and Concluding Thoughts 

About our Guest

Paul Radu is an investigative journalist and co-founder of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). Over the past 20 years, he has investigated corruption, organized crime, and illicit financial networks across Europe and beyond. Through his reporting, he exposes systemic corruption and criminal enterprises, providing critical insight into asset recovery, financial crime, and the global fight for accountability. 

Key Takeaways

The Scale of Illicit Finance: Illicit finance totals around $3 trillion annually, with a significant portion invested in real estate, which criminals use to store assets and worsen housing crises. 

The Role of Investigative Journalism: Investigative journalists often uncover corruption and criminal networks, providing evidence that prompts law enforcement action. 

Political Will and Public Accountability: Strong political support is essential for launching large-scale investigations, and public scrutiny can drive local authorities to act against illicit finance. 

Global Coordination and Transparency: Effective asset recovery requires international collaboration and data transparency, enabling citizens and authorities to track and challenge illicit asset ownership. 

Professional Enablers and Criminal Innovation: Lawyers, bankers, and other enablers must be held accountable, and traditional money laundering methods remain important despite the rise of crypto. 

Resources 

Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) 

OCCRP Report: Dubai Unlocked 

The Independent: Protesting dirty-money luxury homes in London 

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 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 

Tornado Cash Case 

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

Tradias 

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) 

Grant Thornton UK 

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 

Taxbit 

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 

Alison's op-ed on Strategic Bitcoin Reserves and National Security

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 

Amazon | Chasing Shadows 

Miles Johnson | Financial Times  

NCA: Operation Destabilise 

Erin West on Seize & Desist 

Oliver Bullough on Seize & Desist 

Geoff White 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's Official Website 

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.