Women in Crypto Q&A: Callie Brutcher Brings FBI Experience to Blockchain

Callie Brutcher says her previous FBI experience focusing on ransomware and darknet narcotics helped shape her current work as a blockchain intelligence analyst on the Threat Intelligence team at blockchain intelligence company TRM Labs. Brutcher said one of the things she admires about the crypto space is “the human impact” and how she can help victims of fraud. She spoke to us about her experience, her views on where crypto is going and what needs to change in the space, such as demystifying it. Brutcher also addressed how — coming from the law enforcement world — working in a male-dominated environment is “certainly not new to me,” and the need in the industry for more DEI initiatives.

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Can you explain what you do at TRM? And what did you do in the FBI and how does that relate to your current role?

CB: I am a blockchain intelligence analyst in the Threat Intelligence team at TRM Labs. That means I partner with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to build the best attribution for our platform, as well as conduct chain of custody investigations of illegal cryptocurrency transactions involved in ransomware and email compromise.

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Prior to joining TRM, I spent six years with the FBI as a tactical analyst focusing on ransomware, darknet narcotics and financial fraud investigations. I was also a member of the evidence response team, so having a working knowledge of cryptocurrency, seed phrases and cold storage wallets became a valuable skill during the execution of search warrants.

The lessons I learned in the FBI shaped my path toward TRM Labs. At the agency, I learned about the nuances of tracking cryptocurrency, how to run an investigation from start to finish, and the global impact of cryptocurrency. Now as an analyst at TRM, I have blended the lessons from my years of public service with everything I have learned as a blockchain analyst to better serve our clients and partners in a versatile way.

What led you to crypto?

CB: I started crypto in 2019 when I moved to a group investigating illegal darknet marketplaces. In the first couple of months I started learning about the different cryptocurrencies, attended a conference in California and took my first cryptocurrency tracking training. At the time, working on crypto-related investigations at the field office level was more of a security duty versus a full-time job. But because there were so few of us, it created opportunities to work with a variety of threats and support groups that you might otherwise never get to interact with in an official capacity. For a long time I thought I would retire from a career in law enforcement. I never anticipated that my experiences would take me on this latest career adventure, but I am so grateful to land where I did.

What excites you about the space?

CB: I love how the cryptocurrency landscape is still so young and ever-changing. In the next five, 10, 20 years, there will be opportunities both professionally and personally that you haven’t even thought about yet. There is something exciting about getting in on the ground floor of something that has such a global impact. Not only from a technological point of view, but in relation to the inevitable human impact. You will hear me mention the human influence more than once because I truly believe it is one of the most important yet underrepresented parts of the crypto space.

During my years in law enforcement, one of the most satisfying aspects of the job was when I was able to help victims. Whether I was part of the team recovering someone’s stolen life savings or executing a search warrant on bad actors who would continue to victimize members of the community, this mission and drive was a big part of what motivated me every day. I love that in TRM I can continue that fight and continue to help victims all over the world.

What do you think should be changed in the room?

CB: Cryptocurrency as a whole has a reputation for being a complex and mysterious subject. There is some truth to that belief, but I think our community could do a better job of explaining the crypto ecosystem in a way that is more relatable to individuals on the outside looking in. Cryptocurrency has such a huge human impact and it will continue. to grow as more policies are put in place and the use of cryptocurrency for everyday transactions becomes more widely accepted. If the topic can be shared in a more consumable form, not only will the general public adapt to its use more quickly, they will also be better able to protect themselves and their families by having a more comprehensive understanding of how it works. TRM is working hard to create a safer financial system for billions of people because the day of mainstream crypto is coming and it will be here before we know it.

Can you talk about how the industry is male-dominated and what can be done to change this?

CB: Firstly, I am very proud of the team we are building at TRM. We have a team of extraordinary women throughout the company – from ex-police agents to lawyers, computer scientists to engineers and investigators. In fact, a few months ago we conducted a TRM call with some of the best crypto investigators in the world – and they were all female investigators extraordinaire. We really want to hire real subject matter experts at TRM, but also laser-focused on building a diverse team.

The idea of ​​working in a male-dominated environment is certainly not new to me. Law enforcement has always been traditionally male-dominated. And as a woman who is also a member of the LGBTQ+ population, I find that I have come to expect to be a minority in most situations. Honestly, I probably haven’t focused enough on it, but the reality is that it’s something we really need to change and I know it’s something we’re focusing on at TRM. There is a need in our industry for DEI initiatives and to offer corporate resource groups that focus on minority employees in their organization. Calculations have shown that such groups attract talent from outside your company because candidates see that they not only have a place in the organization, but also a seat at the table.

Why do you think crypto is important?

CB: I believe cryptocurrency and blockchain technology have so much untapped potential that will significantly impact many different sectors of our economy and economies around the world. As processes are overhauled in the distribution industry using blockchain technology, and smart contracts become standard practice when creating legally binding contracts, new use cases will continue to materialize over time. Individuals, companies and even governments will make decisions about why crypto is important to suit their specific wants and needs. As cryptocurrency and blockchain technology continue to evolve, so will these wants and needs. The beauty of it is: All of these reasons are valid.

Crypto truly has the ability to impact people, places, and cultures all over the world. A continued effort by industry professionals to standardize best practices, collaborate through successes and allocate resources will ensure that we have proactive measures in place as technological developments and human impacts evolve.

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