Geoff White on Rinsed - Money Laundering in a Digital World

How is technology impacting money laundering? On this episode, I'm welcoming investigative journalist Geoff White back onto the show.In 2022, Geoff joined me to talk about his book and podcast The Lazarus Heist, the story of how North Korean hackers launched an attack on Sony Pictures in 2014.This time, he's back to talk about his brand new book 'Rinsed' which looks at money laundering in a digital world. In it, Geoff explores how thieves who steal digital money that’s highly traceable, launder it so that they can make use of it? In a wide-ranging disucssion, we also talk about Geoff’s work as an investigative reporter — how does he get his information, what are the risks in doing what he does and you’ll hear the astonishing reasons why people you might not expect would want to talk to him, actually do.LinksHear Geoff's previous appearance on the show talking aboiut The Lazarus Heist: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/geoff-white-on-the-lazarus-heist/His BBC World podcast of the same name - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w13xtvg9/episodes/downloadsLearn more about his new book 'Rinsed' - https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/455031/rinsed-by-white-geoff/9780241624838Geoff's website - https://geoffwhite.tech/Timestamped Notes (generateed by AI)[00:00:00] - IntroductionChristian welcomes Geoff White back to the podcast.Geoff's new book "Rinsed" and updates since his last appearance.[00:01:00] - North Korea's Cyber ActivitiesDiscussion on North Korea's cyber operations and the Axie Infinity hack.The scale and speed of the $625 million cryptocurrency theft.[00:02:00] - Money Laundering TechniquesThe importance of money laundering in cybercrime.How hackers collaborate with financial experts to launder money.[00:03:00] - Evolution of Money LaunderingThe shift from traditional cash-based laundering to digital methods.Examples of how different criminal groups use technology to launder money.[00:04:00] - Money Laundering as a ServiceThe concept of "Money Laundering as a Service."Comparison with "Hacking as a Service."[00:05:00] - Classic Money Laundering StagesExplanation of the three stages: placement, layering, and integration.Historical context with examples from the 1980s.[00:09:00] - Digital Era of Money LaunderingChallenges of tracing digital money.The global nature of digital money laundering and its implications.[00:10:00] - International and Technological AspectsHow criminals use technology to launder money across borders.The role of cryptocurrency in modern money laundering.[00:13:00] - Role of Financial InstitutionsThe involvement of traditional financial institutions in money laundering.How compliance teams can combat these activities.[00:14:00] - Investigating Money LaunderingGeoff's research methods and challenges in uncovering these stories.The importance of firsthand accounts and digital breadcrumbs.[00:17:00] - Notable CasesKey cases from Geoff's book, including the Axie Infinity hack and others.The significance of technology in these crimes.[00:20:00] - Interaction with Law EnforcementExperiences with law enforcement agencies during investigations.The case of the Instagram influencer Hushpuppi.[00:23:00] - Personal Safety and Cyber RiskGeoff's approach to managing personal cyber risk.The importance of...