S&D 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 changes 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

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