Bitcoin tumblers break apart money into various transactions and mix them up with others to provide anonymity. Directly sending money to an exchange without using a tumbler can attract attention from law enforcement.
Bitcoin and other virtual currencies make it easy for dark markets to operate anonymously. However, as demonstrated by the shutdown of Silk Road, these transactions are not completely untraceable.
The speaker explains how the security of blockchain technology makes it impossible to hack, counterfeit, or steal cryptocurrencies and other assets, such as art. This is why non-fungible tokens (NFTs) tied to art are becoming increasingly popular.
After discovering that the Silk Road's stolen Bitcoin was likely sold by a corrupt government agent, a couple of blockchain-savvy agents investigate the flow of funds on Wallet Explorer.
The speaker makes a comparison between their interest in the Silk Road and their unwillingness to participate in illicit activities, highlighting how our fascination with certain topics is not necessarily an indication of our willingness to engage in related actions.