A retired supervisory special agent with the DEA, Brian Shanahan has been a part of hundreds of investigations during his over 20 years with the agency. Brian Shanahan is a former court officer who joined the DEA in 1998 and developed a reputation for being an excellent law enforcement agent. He took part in many overseas investigations as well, which are becoming increasingly more difficult to track, as cryptocurrencies are becoming a driver of the international drug trade.
Bitcoin, in particular, was the currency of choice for Aaron Shamo, a 28-year-old cryptocurrency millionaire. He used bitcoin to buy and sell drugs online, ultimately accruing over 10 million dollars worth. The anonymous nature of the payments makes it an ideal choice for both users and distributors.
DEA special agent Gabriel Bewley said in 2018 that less than 10 percent of the crimes investigated by the agency are linked to cryptocurrency, but he expects their numbers to grow. The problem is challenging, as cryptocurrency companies are reluctant to even communicate with law enforcement agencies as part of their business model. As this trend continues, cryptocurrencies are likely to be an area of focus of future legislative efforts to curtail their misuse.
Bitcoin, in particular, was the currency of choice for Aaron Shamo, a 28-year-old cryptocurrency millionaire. He used bitcoin to buy and sell drugs online, ultimately accruing over 10 million dollars worth. The anonymous nature of the payments makes it an ideal choice for both users and distributors.
DEA special agent Gabriel Bewley said in 2018 that less than 10 percent of the crimes investigated by the agency are linked to cryptocurrency, but he expects their numbers to grow. The problem is challenging, as cryptocurrency companies are reluctant to even communicate with law enforcement agencies as part of their business model. As this trend continues, cryptocurrencies are likely to be an area of focus of future legislative efforts to curtail their misuse.