The Dark Web, Bitcoin, and Crime: How IRS Agents Follow the Money

Before Bitcoin became mainstream, criminals were already using cryptocurrency to move money, hide illegal activity, and stay ahead of law enforcement. So how do investigators track financial crimes built around systems designed to be difficult to trace? In this episode, Justin sits down with IRS Special Agent Don Ellsworth, a federal investigator who started working crypto and dark web cases before most people even understood what Bitcoin was. From Silk Road investigations to ransomware attacks and international crypto scams, this conversation breaks down how financial investigators follow digital money trails across borders and why nearly every major crime eventually connects back to money. Key Topics: What the criminal investigative side of the IRS does How Bitcoin and cryptocurrency changed financial crimes Why criminals were years ahead of law enforcement in crypto International task forces, Interpol, and global investigations Crypto ransom cases, ransomware attacks, and hospital hacks This episode is for anyone interested in investigations, cybersecurity, cryptocurrency, fraud, or how modern law enforcement adapts to rapidly changing technology. It may also challenge the common belief that crypto is completely anonymous or that financial crimes only affect wealthy investors and corporations. Behind nearly every major criminal operation is a financial trail, and this conversation reveals how investigators work to follow it. Subscribe to the podcast to ensure you never miss an episode! Justin Yentes: @truthbefoundpodcast Justin’s agency, AIA: https://azprivateinvestigator.com/