Letters of Marque, Explained: America's Offensive Against Cybercrime

Litigation attorney Camelia Shoemaker joined the Law of Code podcast for a discussion on the growing threat of online scams and whether a modern version of letters of marque could help the government combat cybercrime. Recalling her experience as the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) global attorney advisor for dark web and cryptocurrency matters, Camelia explains the challenges prosecutors face when alleged criminals operate in countries that will not extradite them and illicit assets can move across borders within minutes. She also describes the rigorous legal process required to obtain records and other evidence, emphasizing the Fourth Amendment protections that guide government searches and seizures. The episode, which focuses on the centuries-old remedies of letters of marque and letters of reprisal, considers how carefully regulated collaboration between the public and private sectors could strengthen efforts to disrupt transnational cybercrime while preserving due process and other constitutional safeguards.

Duration: 47:44