Kyle Armstrong
About Kyle Armstrong
Kyle Armstrong serves as the Director of Law Enforcement Relations at TRM Labs, where he focuses on combating illicit virtual currency use. He previously held various roles at the FBI, contributing significantly to the forfeiture of virtual currencies and the dismantling of illegal fundraising platforms.
Work at TRM Labs
Kyle Armstrong serves as the Director of Law Enforcement Relations at TRM Labs since 2022. In this role, he collaborates with public sector partners to implement best practices aimed at combating illicit virtual currency use. His work involves engaging with law enforcement agencies to enhance their understanding and capabilities in addressing challenges posed by virtual currencies. Armstrong's expertise in law enforcement and virtual currency positions him to effectively lead initiatives that promote security and compliance in the digital asset space.
Background in Law Enforcement
Armstrong has a decade-long background with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), where he held various roles from 2008 to 2018. His positions included Analyst and Special Agent focusing on money laundering, fraud, and related financial crimes across multiple cities including Washington DC, Chicago, and Phoenix. He later served as a Supervisory Special Agent and Unit Chief, overseeing efforts in money laundering, terrorism finance, forfeiture, and bank fraud from 2018 to 2021. His extensive experience in law enforcement has equipped him with a deep understanding of financial crime dynamics.
Education and Expertise
Kyle Armstrong holds a Doctor of Law (JD) degree from DePaul University and has studied at The Ohio State University. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his work in law enforcement and legal aspects of financial crimes. Armstrong's expertise encompasses virtual currency, money laundering, and illicit fundraising, making him a knowledgeable figure in these areas. His academic achievements complement his practical experience in tackling complex financial crime issues.
Achievements in Financial Crime Enforcement
During his tenure at the FBI, Armstrong played a key role in the creation and management of the Virtual Currency Evolving Threat (VCET) team. He was instrumental in dismantling several illicit fundraising platforms and contributed to the seizure of hundreds of virtual currency addresses. His efforts led to the forfeiture of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of virtual currency and the indictment of multiple subjects involved in financial crimes. Armstrong was also named a finalist for a government service award for his work on a terror fundraising takedown.
Contributions to Law Enforcement Discussions
Armstrong has actively participated in discussions aimed at enhancing law enforcement's approach to emerging threats. He moderated a discussion with officials from the DEA and HSI regarding the use of blockchain technology to disrupt fentanyl trafficking. This engagement highlights his commitment to fostering collaboration among agencies to address the challenges posed by digital currencies and their potential misuse in criminal activities.