E32: Illicit Finance, Asset Recovery & the Reality of Global Crime Networks

Aidan Larkin sits down with Sal Melki, Deputy Director at the UK’s National Crime Agency and senior leader at the National Economic Crime Centre, to unpack how illicit finance really works today, from local cash couriers to global money laundering networks. Sal shares frontline insight on why money laundering is now easier than ever, how technology and crypto are reshaping criminal networks, and what actually works when disrupting and recovering criminal assets at scale. We also dive into Operation Destabilise, public-private data fusion, and why asset recovery has become one of law enforcement's most powerful tools against serious organised crime. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Introductions and Overview of the NCA and NECC 04:30 - Evolution of Organized Crime Networks 09:40 - AI, Synthetic Identities, and Emerging Threats 17:30 - Public-Private Partnerships & Data Fusion 28:40 - Crypto as an Asset Class 36:50 - Operation Destabilize 39:55 - Money Laundering as a Service 46:20 - Future Priorities 👤 About Our Guest Sal Melki is a Deputy Director at the UK National Crime Agency and a senior leader at the National Economic Crime Centre, where he leads the response to illicit finance, money laundering, and asset recovery. With a background in the Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing, Sal works at the centre of the UK’s public‑private effort to disrupt serious organised crime.🔑 Key Takeaways Illicit Finance is the System Asset recovery is not a side quest. It is central to disrupting organised crime, from drugs and fraud to sanctions evasion. Money Laundering Has Scaled Professional laundering networks now operate like service providers, using cash, crypto, shell companies, and technology to move value globally. Technology Cuts Both Ways AI, crypto, and automation are making crime easier, but they are also powerful tools when law enforcement and the private sector work together. Data Fusion Beats Silos Proactive, shared intelligence across banks, crypto firms, and law enforcement delivers far more impact than reactive reporting alone. Disruption Matters You do not always need to arrest the kingpin. Taking money, increasing friction, and targeting facilitators change behaviour fast. 📚 Resources Mentioned National Crime Agency (NCA) National Economic Crime Centre (NECC) Operation Destabilise The Record | Inside Operation Destabilise INTERPOL Silver Notice Basel Institute on Governance | INTERPOL Silver Notice Explained 📬 Stay Connected If you found this episode useful, make sure you: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen Follow Asset Reality on LinkedIn for updates, resources, and future episodes Share this episode with colleagues working in asset recovery, investigations, or financial crime ⚠️ Disclaimer Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed. Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company. Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material. Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.