In this episode, Jim Lee (Global Head of Capacity Building, Chainalysis) sits down with Richard Las (Chief Investigation Officer, Director Fraud Investigation Service, HM Revenue & Customs) to discuss cutting-edge developments in tax fraud investigations.
Richard shares his experience in managing a multi-faceted team and emphasizes the importance of international collaborations in combating financial crime, while sharing HMRC's approach to tax compliance, the impact of technological advancements in investigation and the role of public-private partnerships in reinforcing global financial security.
The episode highlights the use of intelligence-led investigations, showcasing how data and private sector partnerships augment HMRC's efforts and how strategic data analysis aids in the fight against tax evasion, particularly with regard to burgeoning areas like crypto assets.
Minute-by-minute episode breakdown
2 | Richard Las' background and his role at HMRC
4 | HMRC's fraud investigation service and capabilities
7 | Tax obligations for crypto holders in the UK
10 | Civil vs criminal tax offenses in undisclosed crypto gains
12 | International cooperation against tax evasion
15 | Public Private Partnerships and leveraging crypto service providers
Related resources
Check out more resources provided by Chainalysis that perfectly complement this episode of the Public Key.
Website: HMRC: UK’s tax, payments and customs authority
Report: HMRC Internal Manual: Cryptoassets Manual
Guidance: 01Jan2026: New data collection and reporting requirements for UK Cryptoasset Services
Forum: HMRC Community Forums - Crypto Tax (BETA)
Blog: Huione Carries On: Chinese-Language Platform’s Persistence Reveals the Complexity of On-chain Financial Crime Disruption
Announcement: Chainalysis and Aptos Foundation Partner to Increase Trust and Security
YouTube: Chainalysis YouTube page
Twitter: Chainalysis Twitter: Building trust in blockchain
Speakers on today’s episode
Jim Lee *host* (Global Head of Capacity Building, Chainalysis)
Richard Las (Chief Investigation Officer, Director Fraud Investigation Service, HM Revenue & Customs)
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.
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22:05
Policing the Metaverse
If we look out 5-10 years, what is going to be more important to the next generation. Is it their digital life or their physical life?
In this “Live from Links” episode, Patrick Ghion, Chief Cyber Strategy Officer for the Geneva Cantonal Police and an active member of the INTERPOL Metaverse Expert Group provides his answer to Jim Lee (Global Head of Capacity Building, Chainalysis), who spent almost 30 years with IRS Criminal Investigation team.
The duo discusses the complexities of law enforcement's evolving landscape in the digital age and the critical role of public-private partnerships and academia in combating cybercrime.
Patrick provides context around the creation of regional Cyber Competence Centers (RC3) and the progress law enforcement is making in the metaverse, while encouraging police departments to strategize for future threats, training, and the integration of AI.
Minute-by-minute episode breakdown
2 | Patrick’s career progression and intro to Regional Cyber Competence Center (RC3)
5 | Metaverse policing strategy and approach to “Vision 2030”
7 | Societal shift to report cybercrimes to police in the metaverse than in real life
11 | Public-Private and Academic Partnerships
15 | Hiring strategy for law enforcement for crypto and AI
19 | Reflections on Links Conference and networking
Related resources
Check out more resources provided by Chainalysis that perfectly complement this episode of the Public Key.
Website: Geneva Police: Protect and Serve
Blog: Vision 2030+: Geneva Police in the Metaverse
Blog: Chainalysis Links NYC 2025 – Day 1 Showcases Innovation, Security, and Collaborative Power
Chainalysis In Action: How Chainalysis Helped the FBI Track Down and Freeze Millions in the Caesars Casino Ransomware Attack
Blog: AI-Powered Crypto Scams: How Artificial Intelligence is Being Used for Fraud
YouTube: Chainalysis YouTube page
Twitter: Chainalysis Twitter: Building trust in blockchain
Speakers on today’s episode
Jim Lee *host* (Global Head of Capacity Building, Chainalysis)
Patrick Ghion (Chief Cyber Strategy Officer, Geneva Cantonal Police)
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.
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24:53
Future of Ethereum: Scalability, Stablecoins and Innovation
How does someone who has been through multiple bear and bull markets in crypto, cope with such a volatile industry?
Keep Building.
In this “Live from Links” episode, Caitlin Barnett, Director of Regulation & Compliance at Chainalysis) reconnects with her former Gemini co-worker, Ira Auerbach (Head of Tandem, Offchain Labs) as they go deep on the scalability and innovation challenges and successes on the Ethereum blockchain.
Ira shares the initiatives at NASDAQ and Gemini that bridged traditional finance products to the crypto market and how his focus has shifted at Offchain Labs, where they are fostering blockchain innovation, solving complex computational challenges and emphasizing stablecoins' impact on market dynamics.
A great episode for founders, investors and compliance folks in the crypto industry.
Minute-by-minute episode breakdown
2 | Lessons from many crypto bull and bear markets
4 | Focus on institutional solutions and stablecoins
6 | Offchain Labs and Arbitrum improve scalability and usability on Ethereum
8 | Blockchain gaming, decentralized sequencers and fully homomorphic encryption (FHE)
10 | Tandem's partner studio and venture capital Approach
12 | Current crypto investment landscape
14 | Camelot and the industry’s shift to DeFi after centralized collapses
16 |Future of investing in blockchain and AI
18 | Thoughts on stablecoin infrastructure players in the industry
Related resources
Check out more resources provided by Chainalysis that perfectly complement this episode of the Public Key.
Website: Offchain Labs: Scaling Ethereum Without Compromise
Blog: Bringing Interoperability to Arbitrum and Ethereum
Announcement: Tandem by OCL Invests in Camelot, the Largest Native DEX on Arbitrum
Blog: OFAC Sanctions Funnull Technology Inc. for Supporting Pig Butchering Scams
Blog: Bitcoin Strategic Reserves: Behind the Changing Architecture of Sovereign Finance
Blog: AI-Powered Crypto Scams: How Artificial Intelligence is Being Used for Fraud
YouTube: Chainalysis YouTube page
Twitter: Chainalysis Twitter: Building trust in blockchain
Speakers on today’s episode
Caitlin Barnett *host* (Director of Regulation & Compliance, Chainalysis)
Ira Auerbach (Head of Tandem, Offchain Labs)
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.
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23:33
How Crypto is Transforming Traditional Banking
Solana spot ETF applications, the OCC green lighting digital asset activity and the US emphasizing its desire to be the crypto capital of the world.
It's hard not to feel the momentum that is happening in the US and worldwide when it comes to crypto transforming traditional banking.
In this “Live from Links” episode, Eitan Danon (Content Marketing Manager, Chainalysis) has an in person discussion with Carlos Salinas, Head of Digital Assets at Morabanc on the fascinating intersection of fintech, digital assets and traditional banking in Andorra.
Carlos shares how his bank has responded to both client demand and new forms of economic activity, highlighting their novel digital asset custody solutions and the transformative role of regulatory frameworks that Andorra implemented three years ahead of its European peers, allowing Morabanc to navigate the burgeoning digital asset landscape effectively.
The conversation highlights the crucial balance between risk mitigation and innovation, drawing parallels between the evolution of derivatives and the current wave of cryptocurrencies, while discussing the bank's strategy in offering stablecoin-based settlement solutions.
This is truly a snapshot of current trends but also a look at the future potential for programmable finance and digital assets.
Minute-by-minute episode breakdown
2 | Comparing derivatives in the early 2000s to early days of cryptocurrency
4 | Andorra: Unique characteristics and financial environment
6 | Morabanc's role in digital asset custody came from customer demand
11 | The impact the USA momentum on digital assets has around the world
14 | Introducing Morabanc’s revolutionary new stablecoin settlement solution
19 | Consumer protection and crypto security at Morabanc
21 | Future roadmap for Morabanc and digital assets
25 | Attackers try to hack Carlos on LinkedIn
Related resources
Check out more resources provided by Chainalysis that perfectly complement this episode of the Public Key.
Website: Morabanc: We understand the new role of responsible banking, bringing greater value to our stakeholders
Blog: New LinkedIn Scam: How to Detect It and Protect Yourself
Announcement: MoraBanc offers the first digital asset custody wallet in Andorra
Customer Story: Morabanc serves as trusted entry point to world of digital assets
Event: Links 2025 Digital Premiere: Free virtual event bringing together the leaders defining the future of blockchain intelligence
Blog: U.S. Senate Advances GENIUS Act: Long Awaited Stablecoin Framework Edges Closer to Reality
Blog: What the Huione Group Shutdown Signals About the Future of Crypto Scam Infrastructure
YouTube: Chainalysis YouTube page
Twitter: Chainalysis Twitter: Building trust in
Speakers on today’s episode
Eitan Danon *host* (Content Marketing Manager, Chainalysis)
Carlos Salinas (Head of Digital Assets, Morabanc)
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.
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30:53
The Top Presidential Crypto Priorities
“We want to achieve our goal of making this the crypto capital of the world.”
These are huge aspirations coming from Bo Hines (Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, The White House). Bo explains to our former Head of North America Public Policy, Chainalysis, Jason Somensatto, how he and the Trump administration are on a mission to recover from the chaotic and lawfare regulatory regime under the Biden administration to foster innovation and fair digital asset regulation within the White House.
Bo provides detailed insights into the current administration's plans for promoting a pro-crypto environment including the introduction of legislation on stablecoins and market structures, the role of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and Digital Asset Stockpile and collaborative efforts across regulatory agencies.
His narrative is anchored by the administration's ambition to ensure that the U.S. leads the charge in digital asset innovation, setting the stage for the move away from the archaic financial systems to instantaneous payments, greater transparency and self custody of assets.
This is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Minute-by-minute episode breakdown
2 | From College Football to Crypto in the White House
4 | Paving the Way for the United States as Crypto Capital
6 | Bipartisan Efforts Propel Stablecoin and Market Structure Legislation
9 | Stablecoin Legislation and Market Structure Developments
11 | Pushing for Regulatory Clarity in Crypto
14 | The Government's Strategic Embrace of Crypto and Blockchain Innovation
18 | Creating A Crypto-Friendly Regulatory Environment in the USA
Related resources
Check out more resources provided by Chainalysis that perfectly complement this episode of the Public Key.
Website: The White House: America Is Back
Report: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Establishes the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile
Report: Executive Order to Establish United States Leadership in Digital Financial Technology
Article: State of Crypto: Mapping Out the Senate Stablecoin Bill's Next Steps
Event: Links 2025 Digital Premiere: Free virtual event bringing together the leaders defining the future of blockchain intelligence
Blog: U.S. Regulators Give Banks the Green Light for Digital Asset Activities
Announcement: Tokenization Meets Institutional-Grade Compliance: Chainalysis Integrates with Hadron by Tether
YouTube: Chainalysis YouTube page
Twitter: Chainalysis Twitter: Building trust in blockchain
Speakers on today’s episode
Jason Somensatto *host* (Head of North America Public Policy, Chainalysis)
Bo Hines (Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, The White House)
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.
Public Key is the cryptocurrency and compliance podcast, brought to you by Chainalysis.
Every week Chainalysis Chief Marketing Officer, Ian Andrews sits down with thought leaders in the space to discuss
▪Emerging risks and opportunities in blockchain technology
▪How policymakers around the world are approaching crypto regulations
▪Data-driven insights into the latest trends in crypto economics and crime.
▪Breaking news in the crypto market
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To learn more about criminal activity in crypto including scams, money laundering, ransomware and more, download the 2023 Crypto Crime Report: https://go.chainalysis.com/2023-crypto-crime-report.html
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▪Twitter: https://twitter.com/IanAndrewsDC
▪LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianhandrews
⚠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.