Seize & Desist

• Ep. 31: Inside the 'Scamdemic' with Operation Shamrock

  Aidan Larkin sits down with Erin West and Detective Matthew Hogan of Operation Shamrock to unpack the global 'scamdemic' that’s devastating victims and fuelling organised crime, exploring the human cost behind crypto-enabled fraud. Erin and Matthew share frontline insights on why law enforcement struggles to keep pace, how AI is supercharging scams and what systemic changes are urgently needed. We also spotlight Asset Reality’s new strategic alliance with Operation Shamrock, aimed at closing the enforcement gap and accelerating victim restitution worldwide. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction03:30 – The Scamdemic: How pig-butchering scams evolved and scaled globally10:00 – AI and the psychology of scams15:00 – Human trafficking and scam compounds20:00 – Law enforcement challenges 29:00 – Why crypto recovery is easier than you think 46:00 – Social media’s role in enabling scams 59:00 – Community, Collaboration and the Crypto Coalition About Our Guests Erin West is the founder of Operation Shamrock, a nonprofit dedicated to disrupting the scam industry through education, advocacy and law enforcement support. After 26 years as a prosecutor, Erin now leads global efforts to fight transnational organized crime and protect victims. Matthew Hogan is a detective with the Connecticut State Police and co-founder of its cryptocurrency working group. He serves on the Secret Service Financial Crimes Task Force and works tirelessly to recover assets for victims of crypto-enabled fraud. Key Takeaways The Scamdemic is Industrial: Pig-butchering scams and sextortion are run from compounds housing tens of thousands of trafficked workers, weaponizing AI and psychological manipulation. Law Enforcement is Outpaced: Crypto recovery is technically easier than physical asset recovery, but resource gaps, bureaucracy and lack of training stall progress. Systemic Change is Needed: From unified reporting systems to breaking down silos, collaboration across law enforcement, tech platforms and financial institutions is critical. Our Partnership with Operation Shamrock Asset Reality and Operation Shamrock have formed a global strategic alliance to: Deliver monthly free crypto seizure training to U.S. and international law enforcement via the Crypto Coalition. Develop standardized playbooks for intake, seizure, and investigation workflows. Launch a global advocacy initiative making victim restitution a core success metric for crypto enforcement. As Aidan Larkin says: “This isn’t just about crypto, it’s about systemic change. If we empower local agencies with the right playbook and tools, we can disrupt billion-dollar networks before the funds vanish.” Learn moreResources Operation Shamrock Crypto Coalition Chainalysis Report: Seizable Crypto Assets in 2025 Stay Connected Subscribe to Seize & Desist for all the latest insights on 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.

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• Ep. 30: Courts, Crypto & Code: Making Sense of Digital Asset Law

  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 Background03:00 – Asset Recovery in the Digital Age09:00 – The Role of Blockchain in Asset Recovery12:00 – Victim Perspectives in Cryptocurrency Fraud18:00 – Legal Framework for Asset Recovery in Canada23:55 – Future Trends in Asset Recovery and Code is LawAbout our GuestJessica 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 TakeawaysComplexity 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. ResourcesWeirfoulds | Jessica Stansfield - InsightsBBC News | Quadriga: The cryptocurrency exchange that lost $135mWeirfoulds | Rule of Law ‘2’, Code is Law ‘0’?The Globe and Mail Feature | Medjedovic CaseSeize & Desist - Erin WestAsset Recovery International | Dublin Feb 25 - 27Stay ConnectedDive deeper into asset recovery by subscribing to Seize & DesistDisclaimerOur 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.

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• Ep. 29: A New Era of Economic Crime Control

  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. Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and Background 03:00 - Bridging Public and Private Sectors Responses13:30 – Collaboration and Information Sharing20:00– Technology and AI in Economic Crime 43:55 – Future Directions and Challenges in Asset Recovery About our GuestAdrian 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 TakeawaysNECC’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. ResourcesNational 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 ConnectedDive deeper into the world of asset recovery by subscribing to Seize & Desist DisclaimerOur 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.

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• Ep. 28: Property: Crime’s Favourite Laundromat

  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. Timestamps00:00 – 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 GuestPaul 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 TakeawaysThe 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.

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• Ep. 27: Tracking the Changing Face of Fraud

  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. Timestamps00:00 – 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.

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