In this riveting episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy is joined by Erin West, the dynamic Deputy District Attorney from Santa Clara County. Erin takes us on a deep dive into the murky waters of cybercrime, revealing the chilling realities of modern digital scams. From the sinister practice of SIM swapping to the elaborate and heart-wrenching pig butchering schemes, Erin's insights are as alarming as they are enlightening.

Discover the inner workings of Operation Shamrock, the groundbreaking initiative led by Erin to combat these pervasive scams. Learn how sophisticated criminals are exploiting technology and human psychology to fleece victims worldwide and the Herculean efforts required to fight back. Erin shares jaw-dropping stories of financial devastation, human trafficking, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to protect themselves and their loved ones from the dark side of the digital age. Don't miss out on Erin's expert advice and compelling tales from the front lines of cybercrime. Tune in to understand why these scams are more than just financial theft—they're a global threat that demands our attention.

Episode Description: In this riveting episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy welcomes Jamie Bartlett, acclaimed author and technology journalist, to explore the enigmatic world of the "Crypto Queen" and the OneCoin scandal. Jamie shares his in-depth investigation into Dr. Ruja Ignatova’s infamous Ponzi scheme, providing listeners with an insider’s perspective on one of the biggest scams in cryptocurrency history.

From Jamie’s personal journey of discovering the dark net to his real-time podcast investigation, this episode is packed with fascinating insights into the world of crypto fraud. They discuss the psychological tactics used by scammers, the regulatory gray zones exploited by OneCoin, and the ongoing mystery of Dr. Ruja’s whereabouts.

Highlights:

• Jamie Bartlett’s background and how he became involved in the OneCoin investigation.
• The rise and fall of OneCoin and its impact on investors worldwide.
• The role of legal and compliance professionals in the OneCoin saga.
• Jamie’s thoughts on the future of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
• Personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories from Jamie’s research and podcast production.

Listen now and uncover the truths behind the Crypto Queen!

Show Notes: 00:01 - Introduction and welcome with Jamie Bartlett. 00:37 - Jamie discusses the widespread fascination with the OneCoin story. 01:23 - The longevity of the OneCoin saga and its impact over the years. 02:09 - Jamie’s personal experiences and challenges during the investigation. 03:01 - A brief background on Jamie Bartlett and his career journey. 03:30 - The early days of social media research and its implications. 04:25 - Jamie’s exploration of the dark net and its early adopters. 06:06 - The rise of cryptocurrency and Jamie’s initial involvement. 07:25 - The inception of the OneCoin investigation and Jamie’s collaboration with the BBC. 10:09 - Dr. Ruja’s strategy and the appeal of OneCoin to ordinary people. 12:17 - The multi-level marketing aspect of OneCoin. 15:02 - The global impact of OneCoin and its reach in various countries. 20:23 - The role of law firms and compliance in the OneCoin scheme. 28:06 - Jamie’s perspective on blockchain and crypto technology. 50:02 - Jamie’s personal views on the future of cryptocurrency. 55:47 - Jamie shares insights on the risks and rewards of investigating OneCoin. 56:39 - Final thoughts and Jamie’s current work and projects. 57:41 - Jamie’s hypothesis on Dr. Ruja’s current status and whereabouts.

Resources:

• Jamie Bartlett’s Substack
• The Missing Crypto Queen Book
• The BBC's Missing Cryptoqueen Podcast

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @ByndTheCode
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/byndthecode/

Subscribe and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Contact: For questions, feedback, or guest inquiries, email us at yitzy@hlawco.com

Summary - In this episode of "Beyond the Code," Yitzy hosts Jason Gottlieb, partner and head of the digital assets department at Morrison Cohen, for an insightful discussion on the complexities and challenges of crypto regulation and litigation. They delve into Jason's unique journey from tech enthusiast to legal expert, the intricacies of the Howey Test, the impact of FTX's collapse, and the dynamic nature of crypto law. Jason shares his experiences and perspectives on advising clients, navigating regulatory gray areas, and the role of the courts in shaping the future of digital assets.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction and Background (00:01:198): Yitzy welcomes Jason Gottlieb and they discuss Jason's impressive collection of swag from clients, including hats and water bottles.
• Jason's Journey (02:17:838): Jason shares his deep roots in technology, his transition from tech nerd to securities lawyer, and his rise to head of the digital assets department at Morrison Cohen.
• Crypto and the Law (06:21:804): Jason discusses the evolution of crypto regulation, the SEC's approach, and the complexities of applying the Howey Test to digital assets.
• Regulatory Challenges (11:10:766): The conversation explores the inconsistency in SEC guidelines, the impact on U.S. consumers, and the international implications of crypto regulation.
• Advising Clients (19:04:174): Jason explains his practice areas, the importance of pre-enforcement advisory work, and the gray areas in crypto regulation.
• War Stories and Personal Insights (48:57:870): Jason shares a memorable experience during the collapse of FTX and his passion for music, revealing a different side of his personality.
• Closing Remarks (56:32:076): Yitzy and Jason wrap up the episode with reflections on the future of crypto law and the importance of clarity and consistency in regulation.

Additional Resources:

• Jason Gottlieb's Twitter:
• Morrison Cohen's Crypto Litigation Tracker: https://www.morrisoncohen.com/insights/the-morrison-cohen-cryptocurrency-litigation-tracker
• SoundCloud: Check out Jason's music on SoundCloud for a unique glimpse into his creative side.

Contact Information:

• Jason Gottlieb: jgottlieb@morrisoncohen.com and @Ohioha⁠ on Twitter/X.
• Beyond the Code Podcast: Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and future episodes.

Guest Bio: Jason Gottlieb is a partner at Morrison Cohen, where he leads the digital assets department and the white-collar and regulatory enforcement group. With a background in technology and extensive experience in securities law, Jason is a leading expert in crypto regulation and litigation. He is passionate about protecting clients in the digital assets space and navigating the complex regulatory landscape.