In CyberVersed episode 49, Mandy Haeburn-Little is joined by Logan Sealey, Regional Director, Chainalysis, and Salih Altuntas, Director, Investigations, NEMEA, Chainalysis.
In this episode, we focus on the work of Chainalysis, looking at threats and opportunities and the broader topic of cryptoanalysis.
Mandy begins by asking Logan about the current threats in Cyber and Fraud, and how the two are converging. Logan highlights the massive increase in illicit crypto transactions, moving from £59 billion in 2024 to £154 billion, making 2025 a record year for crypto activity. Logan also asks and answers whether the fact that almost all cybercrime transactions move through crypto is good or bad news.
Logan also highlights how they are using blockchain intelligence to move from a reactive to a more proactive approach, enabling them to identify illegal activity and shut it down, reducing losses and the duration of attacks.
Logan also explains how blockchain data is helping increase connectivity among partners worldwide; this collaboration is assisting law enforcement in identifying attacks and even contacting people before they become victims.
Salih Altuntas joins the conversation with a very helpful explanation of what blockchain is and how it operates. He also provides some insight into how the data is used and what they can see and interpret through careful analysis. Silah also explains how his background in law enforcement is helping his communication with their partners, and he highlights the primary changes he is witnessing now compared to when we worked in policing.
Salih also provides a helpful update on popular cryptocurrencies and how they have changed in recent times. He also includes information on what they can see about how cybercriminals are moving cryptocurrency, helping them gain a greater understanding of the entire cybercriminal ecosystem. This includes fascinating insights into money laundering techniques and how blockchain analysis is helping them understand how criminals are converting cryptocurrency back into traditional cash. Ultimately, this can enable law enforcement to intervene and recover the proceeds of crime.
Mandy rounds out the podcast by asking Silah how regulators and governments are responding to the activity Chainalysis is seeing, to which he offers his opinion on the increasing sophistication of law enforcement and the courts. Logan finishes by encouraging all organisations to consider adding blockchain intelligence to their cyber resilience armoury.
In Mandy's words, it is an 'absorbing discussion' and a valuable insight into blockchain intelligence and the cybercriminal ecosystem.
Logan was also kind enough to share a link to their newly published report, which is the latest data insights on illicit crypto trends for 2025. You can access it HERE.
