Stolen Podcast

Episode 8: Detective Matt Hogan works to keep consumers safe against crypto ATMS

In this episode, Erin West and Matt Hogan discuss the complexities of financial crimes, the role of technology, and the impact on victims. They explore various scams, including job scams and cryptocurrency-related fraud, and emphasize the importance of law enforcement's role in combating these issues. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration among law enforcement, legislation, and community resources to effectively address financial crimes and support victims.

Episode 7: The Psychology of Scams: Understanding Manipulation with Dr. Martina Dove

In this episode of Stolen, Erin West speaks with Dr. Martina Dove, a psychologist specializing in the study of scams and human behavior. They discuss the psychological manipulation techniques used by scammers, the impact of scams on victims, and the societal consequences of eroded trust. Dr. Dove emphasizes the importance of empathy in interventions with victims and provides insights into the evolving nature of scams, highlighting the need for updated awareness and education.

Episode 6: Carina's Story- Part 2: From Trust to Betrayal: A Cryptocurrency Journey

Episode 5: Part 1- Carina's Story- The Dark Side of Online Romance

In this episode of the Stolen Podcast, Erin West delves into the harrowing experience of Carina, a victim of the pig butchering scam. The conversation explores the psychological manipulation employed by scammers, the emotional connections formed during the scam, and the devastating financial consequences that ensue. Carina demonstrates how she went from one of her lowest moments to corralling her confidence, her resilience and emerging stronger.

Episode 4 - Unmasking Digital Crime: Voices from the Frontlines - Michele Ilich-Daubas' Story

In this episode of Stolen, host Erin West delves into the complex world of transnational organized crime with special guest Michele Ilich-Daubas. Erin shares her experience at a conference by the International Association of Financial Crime Investigators, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration in combatting financial crime. Michelle, who works at a small police department in Norwich, Vermont, discusses her role in educating her community about scams and her involvement in Operation Shamrock. Together, Erin and Michele talk about the importance of empathy and proper language when dealing with crime victims, the challenges and strategies in tracing cryptocurrency, and the crucial role of 'Survivor Stories' in understanding the impact of these crimes. This episode is a compelling exploration of the underbelly of digital crime and the importance of community awareness and law enforcement education.
 
00:00 Introduction to Transnational Organized Crime02:51 The Importance of Collaboration in Financial Crime05:47 Michelle's Journey into Crime Prevention09:05 Understanding Pig Butchering Scams12:00 Navigating Cryptocurrency Investigations14:46 The Role of Survivor Stories19:07 Language Matters in Victim Support22:55 Educating Law Enforcement on Scams27:10 Community Engagement and Awareness30:07 Empathy in Addressing Victimization33:53 Conclusion and Call to Action
I giant thank you to our first sponsor: TRM Labs
 
TRM Labs - Blockchain Investigations & Risk Management -Investigate, monitor, and detect crypto and digital asset fraud and financial crime
 
TRM Labs
stolenapodcast@gmail.com
 
Michele Ilich-Daubas is a former senior legal analyst and records custodian turned crypto fraud fighter and public speaker. Dedicated to fighting the devastating and, unfortunately, prolific crime of pig butchering, her passion lies in the education of the public, especially the elderly, of the tactics used by scammers to lure individuals into these schemes. By focusing on what makes a person vulnerable, her hope is to empower potential victims with the awareness that when something does not feel right, to allow themselves a moment to stop, breath and think before reacting. And ultimately, it is her desire to bring the devastation caused by this crime to the attention of Meta Platforms (Facebook and Instagram) where these crimes are committed extensively through fake accounts and false advertising and convince Meta to join forces with Operation Shamrock to raise the level of awareness for both the public and our legislators, shining a blinding light on the scammers’ sole goal: To strip the United States of its generational wealth.
 
Operation Shamrock
 
#stolenapodcastwitherinwest #erinwest #operationshamrock #pigbutchering #cybercrime #organizedcrime #transnationalorganizedcrime #stolenpodcast #stolenapodcast #scams #fraud #TRM #TRMLabs #norwichvt #survivorstories #trainingthetrainers #locallawenforcement 

Episode 3 - Ari Redbord of TRM Labs - Cracking Down on Transnational Organized Crime with Blockchain Intelligence

In this episode of Stolen, a Podcast with Erin West, Erin chats with Ari Redbord, the global head of policy for TRM Labs, about the role of TRM Labs in helping combat transnational organized crime through blockchain intelligence. They discuss topics such as cryptocurrency tracing, financial crime prevention, and victim recovery. The conversation delves into specific tools and technologies TRM Labs uses to assist law enforcement, including their Tracers program, and the significance of TRM's training initiatives for state and local law enforcement. They also explore the phenomenon of 'pig butchering' scams, the paradox of cryptocurrency's utility for both lawful and illicit activities, and the recent FinCEN action against Huione, a significant player in the Crypto money laundering world. The episode wraps up with insights into the collaborative community and the importance of innovative approaches in tackling international financial crimes.
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:20 ChatGPT's Insight on Ari Redbord
02:32 Ari's Career Journey and TRM Labs
04:10 TRM Labs and Its Mission
08:58 Understanding Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
12:13 Law Enforcement and Cryptocurrency
17:46 Challenges and Cooperation in Crypto Investigations
24:45 Sanctions and Tools Against Transnational Crime
27:35 Understanding the Patriot Act's Section 311
28:43 US Government's Actions Against Transnational Scammers
30:04 TRM Labs' Role in Supporting Law Enforcement
32:09 Operation Shamrock and Chain Abuse Portal
36:37 Insights from the IC3 Report on Crypto Crimes
42:03 The TRM Running Club: Building Community Through Running
46:17 Innovative Approaches to Combatting Transnational Crime
50:40 TRM Bootcamps: Training Law Enforcement
52:46 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions
 
I giant thank you to our first sponsor: TRM Labs
 
TRM Labs - Blockchain Investigations & Risk Management -Investigate, monitor, and detect crypto and digital asset fraud and financial crime
 
TRM Labs
stolenapodcast@gmail.com
 
Operation Shamrock
 
#stolenapodcastwitherinwest #erinwest #operationshamrock #pigbutchering #cybercrime #organizedcrime #transnationalorganizedcrime #stolenpodcast #stolenapodcast #scams #fraud #TRM #TRMLabs #huione #FinCen #crytpocurrency #blockchain #trmrunningclub #ariredbord

Episode 2 - Inside the Shadows: Unveiling Scam Compounds with Cezary Podkul

In this episdoe of Stolen, A Podcast, host Erin West sits down with investigative journalist Cezary Podkul to delve into the dark world of international scam compounds. Cezary introduces himself, sharing his background in finance journalism and his deep dive into cybercrime after moving to Asia. The discussion focusses on the origins and operations of scam compounds in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. Cezary recounts his first-hand experiences visiting these sites, the shocking conditions, and the unsettling levels of violence. Erin and Cezary cover the difficulty of fighting this criminal industry, emphasizing the need for public awareness and international cooperation. The episode also touches on the Philippines' efforts to dismantle these operations and highlights Cezary's upcoming book, 'The Big Trace,' which aims to provide an authoritative look into this pressing issue.
 
EDITORS NOTE: We misspoke when we called the PAOCC the "Philippines Anti-Organized Crime Commission" but actually it is the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission of the Philippines.
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction`
01:41 Cezary Podkul's Background and Career
02:52 The Big Trace: Uncovering Scam Compounds
03:25 Discovering Scam Compounds: A Journalist's Journey
04:50 The Shocking Reality of Scam Compounds
07:47 Exploring Scam Compounds in the Philippines
10:02 Inside the Scam Compounds: A Detailed Look
11:14 The Dark Side of POGO Operations
12:40 The Violent Reality of Scam Compounds
17:20 Transforming a Crime Den into a Police Headquarters
25:04 A Survivor's Story: From Victim to Advocate
30:49 Investigating Bamban: A Unique Insight
32:38 Exploring the Scam Compound
33:06 Living Conditions in the Dormitories
35:44 Hierarchy and Lifestyle of the Bosses
36:27 Torture and Human Trafficking
38:50 The Raid and Its Aftermath
39:26 The Criminal Free Zones
42:02 Inside the Boss's Mansion
46:31 The Scale of Illicit Wealth
49:24 The Fight Against Scam Compounds
52:23 Conclusion and Call to Action
 
I giant thank you to our first sponsor: TRM Labs
 
TRM Labs - Blockchain Investigations & Risk Management -Investigate, monitor, and detect crypto and digital asset fraud and financial crime
 
TRM Labs
stolenapodcast@gmail.com
 
Cezary's upcoming book:
'The Big Trace'
Cezary’s companion newsletter for the book, which has updates on my travels:
The Big Trace Newsletter
Make Some Noise For Manilla
Cezary’s LinkedIn page for anyone who wants to connect or follow his work:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cezarypodkul/
Operation Shamrock
 
#stolenapodcastwitherinwest #erinwest #operationshamrock #pigbutchering #cybercrime #organizedcrime #transnationalorganizedcrime #stolenpodcast #stolenapodcast #scams #fraud #TRM #TRMLabs #scamcompounds #bamban #paocc #phillippines #presidentialantiorganizedcrimecommissionofthephilippines #cezarypodkul #thebigtrace #propublica
 

Episode 1 - Unveiling The World Of Financial Scams: An Introduction to Stolen, A Podcast With Erin West

In the inaugural episode of Stolen, a podcast, Erin West shares her journey from being a local prosecutor to becoming a crusader against transnational organized crime. Joined by producer Brandon Doble, Erin discusses the compelling reasons behind starting this podcast and the staggering scale of financial scams orchestrated by organized criminals. She reveals her motivation rooted in witnessing countless victims lose their life savings and the little-known aspect of human traffickers driving these scams from compounds in Southeast Asia. The episode sheds light on the intersection of financial crime, technology, and human trafficking. Erin also introduces Operation Shamrock, her initiative to combat these crimes through education, seizure, and disruption. The conversation aims to raise awareness and educate listeners about the pervasive and sophisticated nature of these scams, emphasizing the need for a collective fight against them.
 
00:00 Welcome to Stolen: Meet the Hosts
 
01:34 The Spark Behind the Podcast
 
02:04 Unveiling the Financial Crime Crisis
 
03:24 From Prosecutor to Advocate
 
16:59 The Birth of Operation Shamrock
 
25:59 Understanding Pig Butchering
 
37:24 The Human Trafficking Connection
 
41:06 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser
 
I giant thank you to our first sponsor: TRM Labs
 
TRM Labs - Blockchain Investigations & Risk Management -Investigate, monitor, and detect crypto and digital asset fraud and financial crime
 
TRM Labs
stolenapodcast@gmail.com
 
https://operationshamrock.org/
 
#stolenapodcastwitherinwest #erinwest #operationshamrock #pigbutchering #cybercrime #organizedcrime #transnationalorganizedcrime #stolenpodcast #stolenapodcast #scams #fraud #TRM #TRMLabs
 

Introducing Stolen, a Podcast with Erin West

The Podcast 'Stolen' with Erin West introduces and examines the biggest modern threat that many are unaware of is unveiled: the rapidly evolving world of digital crime and fraud. From identity theft and fake investment schemes to multinational Ponzi schemes and ransomware attacks, these crimes are vast and sophisticated. As organized crime syndicates leverage technology to perpetrate their schemes, former prosecutor Erin West and her team delve deep into the stories behind these nefarious acts. They explore how these criminals operate, the impact on society, and the urgent need to address this escalating threat. Notably, the episode highlights the increasing role of artificial intelligence in these crimes, urging listeners to stay vigilant. Tune in to 'Stolen' to uncover the hidden world of cybercrime and learn about the efforts to combat it.
 
00:00 Introduction: The Hidden Threat of Modern Crime
00:44 The Vast and Varied Nature of Modern Crime
01:02 Known Criminals and Their Sophisticated Operations
01:22 The Impact on Society and the Role of AI
01:56 The Digital Face of Crime
02:13 Welcome to Stolen: Unveiling the Darkness
02:39 The AI Revelation and Final Thoughts
 
Hosted by Erin West and Produced by Brandon Doble and Smarticle Media. 
 
#stolenapodcast #erinwest #smarticle #smarticlemedia #purpleglasses #stolenpodcast #stolen #operationshamrock