The Crypto Launderers: Crime and Cryptocurrencies from the Dark Web to DeFi and Beyond

Since the launch of Bitcoin in 2009, cryptocurrency markets have exploded, achieving a value of more than $1 trillion, and promising to revolutionize the financial sector. But the rise of crypto has also seen the emergence of a new digital underworld, one where North Korean hackers, Russian cybercriminals, online opioid dealers, and other criminals earn billions of dollars in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

In The Crypto Launderers: Crime and Cryptocurrencies from the Dark Web to DeFi and Beyond, veteran anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing expert David Carlisle delivers a comprehensive treatment of the history of cryptocurrency-based money laundering. Robust and down-to-earth, this book explains how criminals are exploiting the latest wave of financial innovation―and how the good guys are fighting back.

The author provides an accessible history of how hackers, fraudsters, and rogue regimes have used Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to profit from their crimes. Hot on their heels are the private industry actors, regulators, and law enforcement agencies who have mounted a fight to make cryptocurrencies safe, leveraging the blockchain – Bitcoin’s public transaction ledger – to follow the money through an increasingly complex crypto laundering ecosystem.

Carlisle draws on his extensive experience working at the nexus of crypto and the law to provide a deep and engrossing account of shady cryptocurrency dealings. From the origins of the dark web to crypto mixers, privacy coins, and the rise of ransomware, you’ll explore a fascinating underworld of crime and intrigue. Along the way, you’ll discover the most incredible stories and meet the most eccentric characters from the world of crypto crime. You’ll also find an insightful discussion about crypto crime’s impact on the metaverse and Web 3.0, as criminals and regulators battle each other for the future of finance and social tech – a future that carries profound implications for both individual freedom and security.

The Crypto Launderers is an authoritative look at some of the most pressing legal and security issues raised by cryptocurrencies. An engrossing and enlightening discussion of the intersection of crime, technology, and finance, this book will prove to be impossible to put down for anyone interested in the future of money and its consequences for society.

“An ideal primer into the criminal use of crypto.”
― Oliver Bullough, Author of Moneyland and Butler to the World

“The captivating story of cat and mouse between cops and robbers, and the battle between free market liberalism and big government in the cryptosphere. A must-read for anyone interested in incredible innovation, in how criminals use crypto, and in how they’re being thwarted, so far.”
― David Lewis, Managing Director, Kroll, and former Executive Secretary of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

“The Crypto Launderers reads like a novel, with fascinating insight into the goings-on within the crypto ecosystem, regarding some of the biggest events over the short life of this new industry. A book for any crypto-curious individual whether in or outside the industry.”
― Ian Taylor, Head of Crypto and Digital Assets, KMPG UK, and Board Advisor at Crypto UK

“In The Crypto Launderers David Carlisleexpertly unravels the complex world of crime and cryptocurrencies, providing invaluable insights into the challenges faced by law enforcement and regulators. This compelling book is essential for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the dark side of digital currencies.”
― Chia Hock Lai, Co-Founder of the Global Fintech Institute, and former Chairman of the Blockchain Association of Singapore

“David effortlessly weaves together a comprehensive history of the nascent crypto sector with crystal-clear insights into its future. What sets this book apart is its refreshing objectivity . . . David lets the riveting facts speak for themselves. An informative and essential read for anyone looking to dive into the intriguing world of crypto crime. Highly recommended!”
― Aidan Larkin, Founder & CEO, Asset Reality

“The rise of digital assets has ushered in a new, more sophisticated crop of criminals and terrorist actors using instruments of decentralized finance to evade law enforcement. . . The Crypto Launderers is a critically important blueprint for the next generation of leaders who will be combatting illicit uses of decentralized finance to protect the integrity of the global financial system.”
― Michael B. Greenwald, Senior Executive and Global Lead for Digital Assets and Financial Innovation at Amazon Web Services; former United States Treasury Attaché to Qatar and Kuwait