And some of the transactions moving through them appear linked to crypto wallets allegedly associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

So how could money tied to a sanctioned regime end up moving through Toronto?

Host Noor Azrieh speaks with reporters behind the global investigation, The Coin Laundry, and with financial-crime experts about how Iran and other sanctioned actors use cryptocurrency to move money around the world.

Then we zoom out. As the US-Israeli war in Iran escalates, Liberal MP Julie Dzerowicz joins us to explain what Canada is actually doing about it.

CORRECTION: This episode incorrectly identified Toronto Star journalist Sheila Wang as Sheila Edwards. We regret the error.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Spencer Woodman, Richard Sanders, Jessica Davis

Background reading:

• Suspicious transactions at GTA crypto shops reveal alleged links to Iran-backed terror groups. Is the regulator doing enough to police them? – Toronto Star
• From Dubai to Toronto, inside the crypto-to-cash storefronts fueling money laundering’s new frontier – International Consortium of Investigative Journalists
• Inside Canada’s shadowy crypto banking system that makes it easy to facilitate ‘an unlimited amount of crime’ – Toronto Star
• Iran’s Crypto Sector Was a Lifeline Through Sanctions. War Could Shut It Down – WIRED Middle East
• 2 charged in killing of former SFU instructor who was outspoken Iran critic – CTV News
• Police call shooting at U.S. consulate in Toronto ‘national security incident,’ seek 2 suspects – CBC News
• MPs demand answers about failure to deport and name Iranian regime officials – The Globe and Mail

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