Seize & Desist

Aidan Larkin sits down with Sal Melki, Deputy Director at the UK’s National Crime Agency and senior leader at the National Economic Crime Centre, to unpack how illicit finance really works today, from local cash couriers to global money laundering networks.
Sal shares frontline insight on why money laundering is now easier than ever, how technology and crypto are reshaping criminal networks, and what actually works when disrupting and recovering criminal assets at scale.
We also dive into Operation Destabilise, public-private data fusion, and why asset recovery has become one of law enforcement's most powerful tools against serious organised crime.

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Introductions and Overview of the NCA and NECC
04:30 - Evolution of Organized Crime Networks
09:40 - AI, Synthetic Identities, and Emerging Threats
17:30 - Public-Private Partnerships & Data Fusion
28:40 - Crypto as an Asset Class
36:50 - Operation Destabilize
39:55 - Money Laundering as a Service
46:20 - Future Priorities

👤 About Our Guest
Sal Melki is a Deputy Director at the UK National Crime Agency and a senior leader at the National Economic Crime Centre, where he leads the response to illicit finance, money laundering, and asset recovery. With a background in the Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing, Sal works at the centre of the UK’s public‑private effort to disrupt serious organised crime.

🔑 Key Takeaways
Illicit Finance is the System
Asset recovery is not a side quest. It is central to disrupting organised crime, from drugs and fraud to sanctions evasion.

Money Laundering Has Scaled
Professional laundering networks now operate like service providers, using cash, crypto, shell companies, and technology to move value globally.

Technology Cuts Both Ways
AI, crypto, and automation are making crime easier, but they are also powerful tools when law enforcement and the private sector work together.

Data Fusion Beats Silos
Proactive, shared intelligence across banks, crypto firms, and law enforcement delivers far more impact than reactive reporting alone.

Disruption Matters
You do not always need to arrest the kingpin. Taking money, increasing friction, and targeting facilitators change behaviour fast.

📚 Resources Mentioned
National Crime Agency (NCA)
National Economic Crime Centre (NECC)
Operation Destabilise
The Record | Inside Operation Destabilise
INTERPOL Silver Notice
Basel Institute on Governance | INTERPOL Silver Notice Explained

📬 Stay Connected
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Share this episode with colleagues working in asset recovery, investigations, or financial crime

⚠️ 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.

This episode was originally recorded for Times Radio on 13th November 2025.

In this special bonus episode, Aidan Larkin joins Hugo Rifkind on Times Radio to discuss what happens after a major seizure and why the landmark £5.1bn crypto seizure could redefine how governments handle digital assets.

In November 2025, a Chinese national dubbed the “Bit Queen” was sentenced to several years in prison for orchestrating a staggering £5.1 billion cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme. The case made headlines worldwide, not just for its scale, but for the questions it raises about the future of asset recovery in a digital age.

Aidan and Hugo explore:
What happens after billions in crypto are seized
How governments navigate cross-border asset recovery
The diplomatic and legal challenges of returning funds to victims
Why this case could set a global precedent for managing digital assets

Resources
Crypto Seizures: A Turning Point for Global Asset Recovery
BBC News: Cryptoqueen who fled China for London mansion jailed over £5bn Bitcoin stash

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.

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 – Introduction
03:30 – The Scamdemic: How pig-butchering scams evolved and scaled globally
10:00 – AI and the psychology of scams
15:00 – Human trafficking and scam compounds
20:00 – 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 more

Resources
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.

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 Background
03:00 – Asset Recovery in the Digital Age
09:00 – The Role of Blockchain in Asset Recovery
12:00 – Victim Perspectives in Cryptocurrency Fraud
18:00 – Legal Framework for Asset Recovery in Canada
23:55 – Future Trends in Asset Recovery and Code is Law

About our Guest
Jessica 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 Takeaways
Complexity 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.

Resources
Weirfoulds | Jessica Stansfield - Insights
BBC News | Quadriga: The cryptocurrency exchange that lost $135m
Weirfoulds | Rule of Law ‘2’, Code is Law ‘0’?
The Globe and Mail Feature | Medjedovic Case
Seize & Desist - Erin West
Asset Recovery International | Dublin Feb 25 - 27

Stay Connected
Dive deeper into 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.

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.

Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction and Background
03:00 - Bridging Public and Private Sectors Responses
13:30 – Collaboration and Information Sharing
20:00– Technology and AI in Economic Crime
43:55 – Future Directions and Challenges in Asset Recovery

About our Guest
Adrian 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 Takeaways
NECC’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.

Resources
National 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 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.