Blockchain Forensics Offer Clues in Guthrie Ransom Case

Investigative reporter Anne Emerson interviews digital forensics expert Ari Redbord on how cryptocurrency and surveillance footage could aid the search for the missing 84-year-old.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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As the search continues for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show anchor Savannah Guthrie who was taken from her Tucson, Arizona home, investigators are turning to digital forensics to uncover critical clues. In an interview, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with Ari Redbord, global head of policy at TRM Labs and former federal prosecutor, to discuss how blockchain transactions, cryptocurrency exchanges, and AI-powered surveillance footage can provide valuable insights for law enforcement.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing role of digital evidence in modern criminal investigations, as investigators leverage blockchain analytics, cryptocurrency data, and AI-powered surveillance to track down leads and piece together the sequence of events. As deepfakes and fake identities pose new challenges, understanding the capabilities and limitations of these digital forensic tools is crucial for both law enforcement and the public.

The details

Redbord explains how Bitcoin ransom demands and blockchain transactions can be traced, why cryptocurrency exchanges may hold key information, and how AI-powered surveillance footage can aid the search. He also discusses the difficulties posed by deepfakes, fake identities, and the sheer volume of tips pouring in, emphasizing that even the smallest digital clue could be vital to bringing Nancy Guthrie home.

  • Nancy Guthrie was taken from her Tucson, Arizona home 12 days ago.
  • The FBI tipline (1-800-CALL-FBI) and Pima County Sheriff's Department ((520) 351-4900 or 911) are accepting any information related to the case.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show anchor Savannah Guthrie, who was taken against her will from her home in Tucson, Arizona.

Ari Redbord

The global head of policy at TRM Labs and a former federal prosecutor, who provides expert insight on digital forensics and cryptocurrency analysis in criminal investigations.

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What they’re saying

“Bitcoin transactions are traceable on public blockchains, and cryptocurrency exchanges can become critical clues in investigations.”

— Ari Redbord, Global Head of Policy, TRM Labs (Criminally Obsessed)

“Even the smallest piece of digital information can be vital to bringing Nancy Guthrie home.”

— Ari Redbord, Global Head of Policy, TRM Labs (Criminally Obsessed)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the release of additional surveillance footage from the neighborhood to aid the search.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing importance of digital forensics in modern criminal investigations, as law enforcement leverages blockchain analytics, cryptocurrency data, and AI-powered surveillance to uncover critical clues. As new challenges emerge, such as deepfakes and fake identities, understanding the capabilities and limitations of these tools is crucial for both law enforcement and the public.