AI's dual role in crime and investigations

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) 

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.