Geoff White: The Investigative Journalist Unmasking the Dark Side of Technology
Geoff White is a renowned British investigative journalist, author, podcaster, and public speaker who has spent more than two decades uncovering the hidden world of cybercrime, financial corruption, and technological exploitation. Based in the United Kingdom, White is recognised internationally for his exceptional work with BBC, Channel 4 News, Sky News, The Sunday Times, Audible, and Penguin Random House.
With an unmatched ability to translate complex technology and financial crimes into compelling stories, Geoff White has become one of the most respected voices in cyber journalism. His deep investigations expose how technology is reshaping crime, power, and society itself.
Geoff White’s Journey in Investigative Journalism
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Geoff White began his career in the media as a technology correspondent and gradually established himself as a leading authority on the intersection between organised crime and technology. His curiosity for digital systems, data leaks, and hacking led him into the darker corners of the internet—revealing how online spaces were becoming the new battlegrounds for global crime and surveillance.
Over time, White’s coverage expanded to major stories such as the Snowden leaks, the TalkTalk hacking scandal, and investigations into fraud within online dating platforms. His unique storytelling skills, accuracy, and fearless reporting have earned him recognition across the media landscape.
Books by Geoff White: Bringing Cybercrime to the Public Eye
1. Crime Dot Com (2020)
White’s first major book, Crime Dot Com: From Viruses to Vote Rigging – How Hacking Went Global, published by Reaktion Books, examines how hacking evolved from underground mischief into a tool of global power. The book traces cybercrime from its origins in the post–Cold War era to its role in major international events, such as the 2016 US Presidential Election.
Described as “a fascinating, often gripping read”, Crime Dot Com reveals how state-sponsored hacking, corporate espionage, and data theft have transformed the modern digital world. It remains a core text for understanding the rise of hacking as one of the defining threats of the 21st century.
2. The Lazarus Heist (2022)
Following the success of his BBC World Service podcast of the same name, The Lazarus Heist – From Hollywood to High Finance: Inside North Korea’s Global Cyber War was published by Penguin Random House.
The book explores the Lazarus Group, a North Korean hacking organisation allegedly behind some of the most daring cyber attacks in history, including the Sony Pictures hack and the Bangladesh Bank heist. With co-presenter Jean Lee, White takes readers into the murky world of digital warfare, showing how cybercrime has become a critical weapon for rogue states.
The Lazarus Heist quickly became a best-seller and ranked number one in the UK Apple Podcast chart, with millions of global listeners.
3. Rinsed: From Cartels to Crypto (2023)
Geoff White’s most recent work, Rinsed: From Cartels to Crypto – How the Tech Industry Washes Money for the World’s Deadliest Crooks, once again published by Penguin Random House, exposes the hidden pipelines of global money laundering enabled by technology.
The book reveals how drug cartels, fraud syndicates, and criminal empires now exploit cryptocurrencies, fintech, and social media to clean their illicit profits. It’s a sobering look at how the same systems built for innovation and connection have become powerful tools for corruption.
Through Rinsed, White highlights a critical moral question: how responsible are technology companies for the criminal misuse of their platforms?
Geoff White’s Groundbreaking Podcasts and Broadcast Work
The Lazarus Heist (BBC World Service)
One of Geoff White’s most famous achievements, The Lazarus Heist podcast, became an international hit. The 10-part series delved into North Korea’s secretive cyber operations and their impact on the global financial system. It showcased White’s mastery of narrative journalism—combining storytelling with forensic research and geopolitical insight.
The Dark Web (Audible Original)
In The Dark Web, White takes listeners on a chilling journey through the hidden internet. From criminal markets to espionage rings and conspiracy networks, the podcast reveals how the unregulated parts of the web serve as a haven for illegal trade, data theft, and human exploitation.
Since its 2017 release, The Dark Web has consistently remained one of Audible’s most popular investigative series.
Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe? (Audible)
White also investigated the origins and evolution of AI technology in this groundbreaking audio documentary. The series explores how artificial intelligence shapes modern life—from healthcare and finance to warfare and social media manipulation.
Cybercrime Investigations (Independent Podcast)
In his own series Cybercrime Investigations, Geoff White invites listeners behind the scenes of his reporting process. Each episode traces real investigations, from first tip-offs to uncovering international networks of cybercriminals.
Public Speaking and Global Influence
Keynote Talks and Panels
Beyond journalism, Geoff White is a sought-after public speaker, having delivered more than 300 keynote addresses across over a dozen countries. His talks engage both corporate and public audiences, including major organisations such as Microsoft, Mastercard, HSBC, Orange, Atos, and Bank of America.
Signature Topics Include:
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What Businesses Can Learn from Organised Crime
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Crypto: Cashless Revolution or Unstoppable Crimewave?
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Cybercrime: Who’s Behind the Mask?
His presentations reveal how legitimate companies can draw valuable lessons from criminal innovation—particularly in areas like network resilience, risk management, and data security.
White has spoken at major events including Chatham House, Latitude Festival, and technology conferences worldwide.
Awards and Recognition
Geoff White’s commitment to investigative storytelling has earned him numerous nominations and awards:
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Nominated – Peabody Award (2022) for excellence in radio and podcasting.
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Highly Commended – AIB Investigative Documentary (2021).
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Nominated – The Rose d’Or Award for Best Audio Entertainment (2021).
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Winner – Best Broadcast News Story, BT Information Security Journalism Awards (2014).
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Winner – Digital Writer of the Year, Online Media Awards (2014).
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Nominated – British Journalism Awards (2017 & 2018) for technology reporting.
These accolades reflect his exceptional contribution to public understanding of cybercrime and digital security.
Creative Projects and Stage Work
One of Geoff White’s most innovative projects was The Secret Life of Your Mobile Phone, a live, interactive performance co-created for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017. Using live interception technology, the show exposed how smartphones constantly share personal data without users’ awareness.
The production became a sell-out success, touring music festivals, corporate events, and political conferences. It demonstrated White’s talent for transforming technical investigations into engaging, accessible storytelling.
Geoff White’s Broader Impact
White’s influence goes beyond journalism. He is an educator and thought leader who encourages individuals and organisations to take technology ethics seriously. His work pushes governments, corporations, and the public to question how far they can trust the digital systems that govern modern life.
Through books, podcasts, and live events, he bridges the gap between complex cyber threats and everyday understanding, making critical topics such as privacy, data protection, and AI accountability both relatable and urgent.
Conclusion: Geoff White’s Legacy in the Digital Age
In an era where technology shapes every aspect of society, Geoff White stands as one of the leading figures revealing the truth behind the screen. His meticulous investigations into cybercrime, money laundering, and data manipulation have transformed how the public perceives digital risk.
From Crime Dot Com to The Lazarus Heist and Rinsed, Geoff White continues to expose how innovation and crime intertwine in unexpected ways. His voice—whether in print, on stage, or through the microphone—reminds the world that technology’s power demands constant scrutiny.
As the digital frontier expands, Geoff White’s fearless journalism ensures that the stories hidden within it will not remain untold.
