The FBI is reportedly closing in on a blockchain analysis of the Bitcoin demand in the Nancy Guthrie case.
In her first interview since Nancy’s abduction, Savannah Guthrie revealed that she believes that the two ransom notes her family received were real.
Nancy Grace is now reporting that the FBI believes the Bitcoin demand may be their “best lead” in identifying who took Nancy.
In the latest episode of “Crime Stories With Nancy Grace,” Grace delved deeper into cryptocurrency and whether it can actually be traced.
“Many people believe that Bitcoin cannot be traced, and tonight, we are learning the FBI believes that’s their best lead on who took Miss Guthrie,” Grace said.
Nancy Guthrie Update: Expert Confirms Bitcoin Can Be Traced
Ari Redbord, Global Head of Policy at TRM Labs, a trusted blockchain intelligence company, confirmed that cryptocurrency is traceable.
“Look, anytime that there’s a cryptocurrency address involved in a case, it’s an immediate lead,” Redbord explained. “And what most people don’t understand about cryptocurrency is, every transaction occurs on a public blockchain, particularly Bitcoin.”
The expert continued, “Meaning, every transaction is traceable, trackable, and immutable. In other words, it’s there forever. In other words, crypto is the ultimate crime scene.”
Redbord also detailed who exactly is involved in the Bitcoin analysis team.
“It’s called a virtual asset unit within the FBI. And there’s a team of cryptotracers, and they’re the best in the world,” Redbord told Grace. “They’ve built investigations involving ransomware, North Korea hacks, and terrorist financing. And what they’re doing is they’re using TRM to track and trace the flow of funds to ultimately identify that individual.”
Expert Points Out Major Problem
However, Redbord noted one major problem in tracing the Bitcoin demand related to the Nancy Guthrie case.
The expert explained that, for the analysis team to track a blockchain address, a transaction must occur first.
“A transaction must occur in order to start that tracing and tracking because ultimately what you want at the end of the day are those funds to be cashed out at a cryptocurrency exchange,” Redbord added. “Because when they hit that exchange, that’s when you can get that underlying user information.”
Redbord explained that without any funds moving, even the best crypto tracers can’t do much with a cryptocurrency address.
On February 7, Savannah and her siblings shared an Instagram video, pleading to Nancy’s abductor and saying they “will pay” the ransom. However, multiple reports indicate the ransom was not paid.
Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home in the early morning hours of February 1st.
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