Public Key

The Truth Behind Crypto, Sanctions and Illicit Finance


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Conflict diamonds, sanctions evasion and the evolution of organized crime in digital assets. In this episode we cover all that and more with Eitan Danon (Content Marketing Manager, Chainalysis) and Brad Brooks-Rubin (Partner, Arktouros PLLC).

Brad shares his extensive experience working at the intersection of policy, financial crime and international illicit finance to walk the audience through discussions on complex jurisdictions, sanctions and innovative solutions using blockchain technology. 

He also  brings to light the critical issues surrounding sanctions compliance and how organized crime is exploiting digital assets particularly in emerging markets where crypto adoption is burgeoning.


Eitan and Brad offer a deep understanding of the role U.S. policy plays on the global stage, the challenges of sanctions enforcement and the potential of blockchain in disrupting illegal financial ecosystems.

Minute-by-minute episode breakdown

2 | Brad’s career journey from conflict diamonds to crypto  

5 | Crypto's role in corruption and illicit financial activities

10 | Blockchain and how it fosters transparency in the diamond trade and sanctions

18 | Africa's economic potential and western engagement challenges with crypto

23 | Evolution of organized crime in the digital age

28 | The value of digital assets during times of geopolitical uncertainty

30 | Crypto Sanctions: Iran, Russia and China’s impact on digital assets

Related resources

Check out more resources provided by Chainalysis that perfectly complement this episode of the Public Key.

  • Website: ARKTOUROS: Law & Advisory Boutique Dedicated to Civil Society & Emergent Technology
  • Hearing: Crypto Crime in Context Part II: Examining Approaches to Combat Illicit Activity (with Michael Mosier, Partner Arktouros)
  • Report: The Taking of South Sudan: The Tycoons, Brokers, and Multinational Corporations Complicit in Hijacking the World’s Newest State
  • Video Series: Gold Mafia - Episode 1 - The Laundry Service I Al Jazeera Investigations
  • Report: The Chainalysis 2025 Crypto Crime Report (Download Your Copy Today)
  • Event: Links 2025 Digital Premiere: Free virtual event bringing together the leaders defining the future of blockchain intelligence
  • Blog: The DOJ’s NCET Disbanded: What the “Blanche Memo” Means for Digital Assets
  • YouTube: Chainalysis YouTube page
  • Twitter: Chainalysis Twitter: Building trust in blockchain
  • Speakers on today’s episode
    • Eitan Danon *host* (Content Marketing Manager, Chainalysis)
    • Brad Brooks-Rubin (Partner, Arktouros PLLC
    • This website may contain links to third-party sites that are not under the control of Chainalysis, Inc. or its affiliates (collectively “Chainalysis”). Access to such information does not imply association with, endorsement of, approval of, or recommendation by Chainalysis of the site or its operators, and Chainalysis is not responsible for the products, services, or other content hosted therein.

      Our podcasts are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. Listeners should consult their own advisors before making these types of decisions. Chainalysis has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.

      Chainalysis 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 Chainalysis. 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 Chainalysis employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company. 

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      Public KeyBy Chainalysis

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