Early crypto encounters and self-teaching

In the last year alone, IRS-CI identified more than $10 billion in financial crime executed over 1400 warrants, seized hundreds of millions of dollars in assets and maintained one of the highest conviction rates in federal law enforcement. 

But how do they amass these groundbreaking stats? In this episode, Matt Wilson (Director, Product Strategy, Chainalysis) speaks with Trevor McAleenan (Acting Supervisory Special Agent, IRS-CI) and he provides unique insights into the division's accomplishments and their recent Annual Report. 

The team discusses the evolving landscape of financial crime as cryptocurrency becomes a significant player, while shedding light on huge cases, including Armenian narcotics networks, and Chinese nationals peddling fentanyl precursors. The discussion also touches on the future of crimefighting in the world of AI and cryptocurrency, emphasizing the agency's global partnerships and strategic innovations.

2 | Inside IRS Criminal Investigations and Major Cryptocurrency Seizures

4 | Trevor McAleenan's Dynamic Career in IRS Criminal Investigation

7 | The Evolution of Cryptocurrency in Criminal Investigations

10 | Major Crypto Cases and Successes for IRS-CI 

14 | Seizing Cryptocurrency: Challenges and Unexpected Discoveries

18 | Cracking Down on Darknet Drug Trafficking Through Cryptocurrency

23 | AI and Cryptocurrency in Modern Criminal Investigations

27 | IRS-CI's Global Impact and Career Opportunities

Related resources

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

• Website: IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) serves the American public by investigating potential criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code
• Publication: IRS-CI 2025 Annual Report
• Press Release: U.S. Attorney Announces Historic $3.36 Billion Cryptocurrency Seizure And Conviction In Connection With Silk Road Dark Web Fraud
• Press Release: Bitfinex hacker sentenced in money laundering conspiracy involving billions in stolen cryptocurrency
• Press Release: Bitcoin Fog Operator Sentenced for Money Laundering Conspiracy
• Blog: North Korea Drives Record $2 Billion Crypto Theft Year, Pushing All-Time Total to $6.75 Billion
• Blog: $35 Million in Crypto Drained in 15 Minutes: How Exchange Hacks Are Evolving and How to Prevent Them
• YouTube: Chainalysis YouTube page
• Twitter: Chainalysis Twitter: Building trust in blockchain

• Matt Wilson *Host* (Director, Product Strategy, Chainalysis)
• Trevor McAleenan (Acting Supervisory Special Agent, IRS-CI) 

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