From Oxford Scholar to Crypto Detective: Jonathan Levin’s Blockchain Journey

From Oxford Scholar to Crypto Forensic Expert: The Journey of Jonathan Levin

Jonathan Levin, an Oxford scholar turned crypto forensic expert, found his interest in Bitcoin piqued one night during a conversation in a pub. Today, Levin holds the position of CEO at Chainalysis, a top-ranking crypto forensic firm globally.

The Genesis of Chainalysis – A Cryptocurrency Forensic Firm

Back in 2014, when Levin co-founded Chainalysis, Bitcoin was relatively unknown and blockchain’s function was a mystery to most, including law enforcement. The scene began to change when special agents started investigating dark-web sites where Bitcoin was used for illicit transactions.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms as Chainalysis’s First Client

The U.S. agency known as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) became Chainalysis’s first customer. They invited Levin from England to demonstrate that Bitcoin transactions were not anonymous and left a traceable path, providing valuable clues about criminal actors’ location and identity.

The Breakthrough for Chainalysis

Chainalysis gained traction when it helped U.S. law enforcement trace the steps of the Mt. Gox hack culprits—a notorious event where Russian criminals stole a significant portion of then circulating Bitcoin. “We helped them figure out where the money had gone, and when we figured out that the money had actually been stolen from the exchange, obviously, the law enforcement agencies in the United States took a great interest in figuring out where that money went and how it was laundered,” Levin recalls.

Chainalysis Today: A Globally Recognized Crypto Forensic Firm

Currently, Chainalysis has teams in over 30 countries and collaborates with approximately 330 government agencies worldwide. Besides, it also caters to the private sector, assisting companies with compliance and keeping their platforms free from malicious activities. Chainalysis’s growth and recognition have helped it raise over $536 million in funding, paving the way for it to go public.

The Evolution of Cryptocurrency and Cryptocurrency Forensics

Since Levin’s early days with the ATF, the world of crypto has undergone significant changes. Once viewed primarily as a tool for criminals, it is now a mainstream technology utilized by banks, brokerages, and Fortune 500 companies. However, the risk of criminal activities persists, necessitating the blockchain detective work of firms like Chainalysis.

For a more detailed interview with Levin and a comprehensive history of crypto crimes, check out the full episode of Crypto Playbook on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube.