E166: What does it take to get sanctioned by Putin at 17?

What were you doing at seventeen? If you were getting into trouble, it might've been with your teacher or parents!

How about uncovering money laundering and, in turn, being sanctioned by the Russian government for your discoveries?

Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Alexander Browder, founder of the Global Cryptocurrency Laundering Database, to ask: "What does it take to get sanctioned by Putin at 17?"

The pair discuss: building the world's first open-source database of crypto laundering, a rouble-backed stablecoin allegedly funding Russia's war, and how you find out you've pissed off Putin.

Producer: Matthew Dunne-Miles

Editor: Dominic Delargy

Video: Loïs Dunford

Check out our new short-film Yes, Chef! here.

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The Laundry explores the complex world of financial crime, anti-money laundering (AML), compliance, sanctions, and global financial regulation.

Hosted by Marit Rødevand, Fredrik Riiser, and Robin Lycka, each episode features in-depth conversations with leading experts from banking, fintech, regulatory bodies, and investigative journalism — dissecting headline news, unpacking regulatory trends, and examining the real-world consequences of non-compliance.

The Laundry is proudly produced by Strise.