Larry Cameron, CEO of Paradigm Intelligence and member of InterPol’s Human Trafficking Expert Group, is a leading voice in using blockchain forensics and cybersecurity to fight human trafficking and child exploitation. In this interview, he shares how emerging technologies like blockchain analytics, OSINT, and AI are transforming investigations, the new challenges facing law enforcement, and why collaboration and victim-centered approaches remain vital in the digital age.

1. Your work spans from blockchain forensics to training over 1,000 law enforcement agencies globally on combating human trafficking and child exploitation. How do you integrate advanced technology with investigative techniques in this sensitive field?

“My approach combines cutting-edge blockchain forensics, OSINT, and AI-driven analytics with traditional investigative methods. For example, when investigating child exploitation or trafficking, we use blockchain tracing to follow illicit crypto transactions, correlate them with social media intelligence. Performing in depth analysis on clearweb / deepweb and dark web activity, and create intelligence reports for law enforcement that include actionable intelligence. The key is ensuring that technology enhances—not replaces—human judgment and trauma-informed investigative practices.”

2. As a member of InterPol’s Human Trafficking Expert Group, what are some of the emerging challenges and trends in trafficking cases that law enforcement should be aware of today?

“One of the most concerning trends is the increasing use of decentralized platforms and end to end encrypted communications by traffickers. We’re also seeing a rise in labor trafficking linked to fraudulent job ads and recruitment scams, especially in vulnerable regions. Another challenge is the exploitation of crypto and online financial tools to launder proceeds. Law enforcement must adapt by building cyber capabilities and fostering cross-border intelligence sharing.”

3. You’ve developed training for thousands of agencies within the ICAC Task Forces. What key skills or knowledge gaps do you see among investigators, and how do you tailor your training to address them?

“Many investigators are highly skilled in traditional policing but may lack exposure to digital evidence handling, cyber investigations, open-source intelligence crypto tracing, or online behavioral analysis. Our training focuses on bridging these gaps—teaching how to extract and interpret data from devices, trace crypto transactions, and understand offender typologies online. We also emphasize trauma-informed interviewing and safeguarding procedures to protect victims.”

4. Given the rise of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, how has this technology changed both the tactics of traffickers and the strategies used by investigators?

“Cryptocurrencies have enabled traffickers to move money across borders with minimal oversight. However, they also leave a digital footprint. Investigators now use blockchain analytics tools to trace transactions, identify wallet through attribution that is linked to illicit activity, and collaborate with financial institutions, exchanges, law enforcement and regulators. The challenge is staying ahead of privacy-enhancing technologies and mixers that obscure transaction trails.”

5. What advice would you give to organizations and professionals working to enhance collaboration across jurisdictions and agencies in combating online child exploitation and human trafficking?

“Start with shared protocols and interoperable platforms for data exchange. Build trust through joint training, intelligence fusion centers, and regular case debriefs. Also, prioritize victim-centric approaches and legal harmonization to ensure that the chain of evidence and prosecutions can move across borders. Technology can help, but relationships and shared mission are the foundation.”