In this episode of When Technology Goes Wrong, host Paddy Dhanda is joined by investigative journalist Geoff White to uncover the astonishing story of Helix – the first major cryptocurrency mixer on the dark web.
Helix wasn’t just a tool for privacy – it became a cornerstone of criminal enterprise, enabling billions in illegal transactions. Geoff walks us through the rise and fall of Helix, its creator Larry Harmon, and the role of technology in his downfall…
What you'll learn:
How Helix became the go-to crypto mixer for criminals on the dark web
How crypto tumblers work and why they matter
How law enforcement cracked the case – and caught Harmon red-handed
The ethical debate around privacy, regulation, and innovation
What tech leaders and regulators must learn from this cautionary tale
Guest spotlight:
Geoff White is an investigative journalist and author of Rinsed, a deep dive into the world of crypto crime and money laundering. He also hosts The Lazarus Heist, a BBC podcast exploring North Korean cybercrime.
Memorable quote:
“It’s the ultimate. It’s a white glove privacy service.” – Geoff White
Resources:
📘 Rinsed by Geoff White
🎧 Listen to The Lazarus Heist on BBC Sounds
📰 More about Geoff White
🎧 Listen now on Substack, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your platform of choice.
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