Andy Greenberg
@agreenberg.bsky.social
Writer for WIRED. Author of SANDWORM. New book, TRACERS IN THE DARK: The Global Hunt for the Crime Lords of Cryptocurrency, out now. agreenberg@wired.com. Andy.01 on Signal.
Pinned
Andy Greenberg
@agreenberg.bsky.social
· May 22
The Epic Rise and Fall of a Dark-Web Psychedelics Kingpin
Interdimensional travel, sex with aliens, communion with God. Anything is possible with just a sprinkle of DMT. Akasha Song’s secret labs made millions of doses—and dollars—until the feds showed up.
www.wired.com
For 7 years, Akasha Song ran secret labs that produced tens of millions of doses of DMT—one of the world's most potent psychedelic substances—and made a fortune selling it on the dark web.
His story, in this 13,000-word piece, is one of the wildest I've ever told: www.wired.com/story/rise-f...
🧵👇
His story, in this 13,000-word piece, is one of the wildest I've ever told: www.wired.com/story/rise-f...
🧵👇
Reposted by Andy Greenberg
I feel like I haven’t even been properly lied to about the purposes of this war
January 3, 2026 at 9:13 AM
I feel like I haven’t even been properly lied to about the purposes of this war
When China invades Taiwan sometime in the coming years, it will say the US has no moral authority to oppose its takeover, and to the degree that the US is the Trump administration, China will be right.
January 3, 2026 at 9:43 AM
When China invades Taiwan sometime in the coming years, it will say the US has no moral authority to oppose its takeover, and to the degree that the US is the Trump administration, China will be right.
A measure of how wildly the crypto scam plague grew in 2025: The top two Chinese-language markets for crypto scam money launderers are now doing $2 billion *a month* in transactions. These are the biggest online black markets ever, operating in plain sight on Telegram. www.wired.com/story/expire...
Chinese Crypto Scammers on Telegram Are Fueling the Biggest Darknet Markets Ever
Online black markets once lurked in the shadows of the dark web. Today, they’ve moved onto public platforms like Telegram—and are racking up historic illicit fortunes.
www.wired.com
December 23, 2025 at 1:28 PM
A measure of how wildly the crypto scam plague grew in 2025: The top two Chinese-language markets for crypto scam money launderers are now doing $2 billion *a month* in transactions. These are the biggest online black markets ever, operating in plain sight on Telegram. www.wired.com/story/expire...
Reposted by Andy Greenberg
🧵This week on Gaslit Nation, I talk to Wired senior writer @agreenberg.bsky.social, author of Tracers in the Dark: The Global Hunt for the Crime Lords of Cryptocurrency. Here are a few highlights of our chilling discussion about the underworld of crypto.
www.gaslitnationpod.com/episodes-tra...
www.gaslitnationpod.com/episodes-tra...
Crypto Traitors — Gaslit Nation
On this extremely cursed episode of Gaslit Nation, we take a break from gas station dictatorships to talk about their emo tech cousin: crypto, the shadow banking system for oligarchs, autocrats, and t...
www.gaslitnationpod.com
December 11, 2025 at 5:14 PM
🧵This week on Gaslit Nation, I talk to Wired senior writer @agreenberg.bsky.social, author of Tracers in the Dark: The Global Hunt for the Crime Lords of Cryptocurrency. Here are a few highlights of our chilling discussion about the underworld of crypto.
www.gaslitnationpod.com/episodes-tra...
www.gaslitnationpod.com/episodes-tra...
The names of two partial owners of contractor firms linked to China's Salt Typhoon hacker group also appeared in records for Cisco's "Networking Academy" global training program—years before those hackers targeted Cisco's devices in their sweeping spy campaign. www.wired.com/story/2-men-...
2 Men Linked to China’s Salt Typhoon Hacker Group Likely Trained in a Cisco ‘Academy’
The names of two partial owners of firms linked to the Salt Typhoon hacker group also appeared in records for a Cisco training program—years before the group targeted Cisco’s devices in a spy campaign...
www.wired.com
December 10, 2025 at 5:02 PM
The names of two partial owners of contractor firms linked to China's Salt Typhoon hacker group also appeared in records for Cisco's "Networking Academy" global training program—years before those hackers targeted Cisco's devices in their sweeping spy campaign. www.wired.com/story/2-men-...
Reposted by Andy Greenberg
A new anonymous phone carrier startup Phreeli, launching today, will let you sign up for cellular service with almost no personally identifiable information—not even your name. All it asks for is a ZIP code, the minimum info legally required for tax purposes. www.wired.com/story/new-an...
A New Anonymous Phone Carrier Lets You Sign Up With Nothing but a Zip Code
Privacy stalwart Nicholas Merrill spent a decade fighting an FBI surveillance order. Now he wants to sell you phone service—without knowing almost anything about you.
www.wired.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:03 PM
A new anonymous phone carrier startup Phreeli, launching today, will let you sign up for cellular service with almost no personally identifiable information—not even your name. All it asks for is a ZIP code, the minimum info legally required for tax purposes. www.wired.com/story/new-an...
A new anonymous phone carrier startup Phreeli, launching today, will let you sign up for cellular service with almost no personally identifiable information—not even your name. All it asks for is a ZIP code, the minimum info legally required for tax purposes. www.wired.com/story/new-an...
A New Anonymous Phone Carrier Lets You Sign Up With Nothing but a Zip Code
Privacy stalwart Nicholas Merrill spent a decade fighting an FBI surveillance order. Now he wants to sell you phone service—without knowing almost anything about you.
www.wired.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:03 PM
A new anonymous phone carrier startup Phreeli, launching today, will let you sign up for cellular service with almost no personally identifiable information—not even your name. All it asks for is a ZIP code, the minimum info legally required for tax purposes. www.wired.com/story/new-an...
Researchers tried plugging every possible phone number into WhatsApp's web app. They found they could collect 3.5 billion users' phone numbers, plus photos for half and profile text for more than a third, the biggest personal data exposure ever by some measures. www.wired.com/story/a-simp...
A Simple WhatsApp Security Flaw Exposed 3.5 Billion Phone Numbers
By plugging tens of billions of phone numbers into WhatsApp’s contact discovery tool, researchers found “the most extensive exposure of phone numbers” ever—along with profile photos and more.
www.wired.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Researchers tried plugging every possible phone number into WhatsApp's web app. They found they could collect 3.5 billion users' phone numbers, plus photos for half and profile text for more than a third, the biggest personal data exposure ever by some measures. www.wired.com/story/a-simp...
Incredible impact from @mattburgess1.bsky.social whose work put a spotlight on Starlink’s use in scam compounds in February.
November 17, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Incredible impact from @mattburgess1.bsky.social whose work put a spotlight on Starlink’s use in scam compounds in February.
Reposted by Andy Greenberg
Kyle Kingsbury is not a journalist. He is not an op-ed writer.
He is a computer safety researcher.
And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine.
In under 1600 words.
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
He is a computer safety researcher.
And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine.
In under 1600 words.
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
November 9, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Kyle Kingsbury is not a journalist. He is not an op-ed writer.
He is a computer safety researcher.
And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine.
In under 1600 words.
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
He is a computer safety researcher.
And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine.
In under 1600 words.
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
Reposted by Andy Greenberg
NEW: Experts say that any lags in protections like security updates and network monitoring caused by the government shutdown could lay the groundwork for future breaches. @lhn.bsky.social reports: www.wired.com/story/the-go...
The Government Shutdown Is a Ticking Cybersecurity Time Bomb
Many critical systems are still being maintained, and the cloud provides some security cover. But experts say that any lapses in protections like patching and monitoring could expose government system...
www.wired.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:38 PM
NEW: Experts say that any lags in protections like security updates and network monitoring caused by the government shutdown could lay the groundwork for future breaches. @lhn.bsky.social reports: www.wired.com/story/the-go...
Reposted by Andy Greenberg
Incredibly classy move from a WIRED reporter who’s just been fired (for what seems like protected union activity) – completely commendable way to look out for your colleagues and their work.
Feels like the kind of person any newsroom would be lucky to have, tbh.
Feels like the kind of person any newsroom would be lucky to have, tbh.
As my general two cents: don't cancel your WIRED subscriptions.
Best culture, best newsroom of anywhere I've worked. I love the living shit out of these folks, and they don't deserve to be negatively impacted by a decision that was made by the parent company, not them. And it's only $2 a month.
Best culture, best newsroom of anywhere I've worked. I love the living shit out of these folks, and they don't deserve to be negatively impacted by a decision that was made by the parent company, not them. And it's only $2 a month.
November 6, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Incredibly classy move from a WIRED reporter who’s just been fired (for what seems like protected union activity) – completely commendable way to look out for your colleagues and their work.
Feels like the kind of person any newsroom would be lucky to have, tbh.
Feels like the kind of person any newsroom would be lucky to have, tbh.
Reposted by Andy Greenberg
A statement from Wired's Conde Union Members
November 6, 2025 at 8:19 PM
A statement from Wired's Conde Union Members
Reposted by Andy Greenberg
This is a really hard day and I want to just add as WIRED's politics editor -- WIRED's politics reporting isn't going anywhere. We are very much here and won't stop.
Please continue to read and support us - canceling your subscription to WIRED is not standing in solidarity with our journalists.
Please continue to read and support us - canceling your subscription to WIRED is not standing in solidarity with our journalists.
The key thing to watch here: they fired a Wired political reporter. That’s the title doing the most effective, pointed work. Teen Vogue’s stuff was culturally impactful, but less focused on investigating the administration. Within the Condé portfolio, Wired and the New Yorker are the canaries.
New: Conde Nast fired four employees who were among a group that confronted the company's head of human resources on Wednesday over the decision to fold Teen Vogue into Vogue/recent cuts. Employees who were fired included journalists from the New Yorker, Wired, and Bon Appétit.
November 6, 2025 at 6:26 PM
This is a really hard day and I want to just add as WIRED's politics editor -- WIRED's politics reporting isn't going anywhere. We are very much here and won't stop.
Please continue to read and support us - canceling your subscription to WIRED is not standing in solidarity with our journalists.
Please continue to read and support us - canceling your subscription to WIRED is not standing in solidarity with our journalists.
Reposted by Andy Greenberg
Jake is one of the best and I’ll really miss working with him — whoever gets to work with him next is very lucky!
I was one of the four people who got canned.
In the interim, you can subscribe to my newsletter, Straight From The Hut. No paywall, but feel free to choose the pay to support model. I'm not going anywhere — the show goes on, and I'll be back on MSNBC Saturday night. straightfromthehut.substack.com
In the interim, you can subscribe to my newsletter, Straight From The Hut. No paywall, but feel free to choose the pay to support model. I'm not going anywhere — the show goes on, and I'll be back on MSNBC Saturday night. straightfromthehut.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Jake is one of the best and I’ll really miss working with him — whoever gets to work with him next is very lucky!
Not telling anyone how to vote in NYC today but maybe consider not voting for the serially accused sex offender whose campaign posted the most absurdly racist AI slop deepfake attack ad of all time?
Andrew Cuomo’s campaign just posted — and quickly deleted — this AI-generated ad depicting “criminals for Zohran Mamdani.”
Features a Black man in a keffiyeh shoplifting, an abuser, a trespasser, a trafficker, a drug dealer, and a drunk driver all declaring support for Mamdani.
Features a Black man in a keffiyeh shoplifting, an abuser, a trespasser, a trafficker, a drug dealer, and a drunk driver all declaring support for Mamdani.
November 4, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Not telling anyone how to vote in NYC today but maybe consider not voting for the serially accused sex offender whose campaign posted the most absurdly racist AI slop deepfake attack ad of all time?
Here’s me talking to NPR yesterday about hacking casino card shufflers, because I really can’t shut up about hacking casino card shufflers. www.npr.org/2025/10/24/n...
(Hacking card shufflers is the new hacking McDonald’s ice cream machines, fyi)
(Hacking card shufflers is the new hacking McDonald’s ice cream machines, fyi)
FBI says card shuffling machines were hacked as part of major illegal gambling schemes
The FBI says card shuffling machines were hacked to cheat at poker as part of a major illegal gambling scheme. NPR's Ailsa Chang talks to a reporter who's been covering the machines' vulnerabilities.
www.npr.org
October 25, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Here’s me talking to NPR yesterday about hacking casino card shufflers, because I really can’t shut up about hacking casino card shufflers. www.npr.org/2025/10/24/n...
(Hacking card shufflers is the new hacking McDonald’s ice cream machines, fyi)
(Hacking card shufflers is the new hacking McDonald’s ice cream machines, fyi)
I cannot actually believe that Cuomo put out this insanely racist AI-slop deepfake ad. In a sane society, this alone ought to be a career-ending move.
Andrew Cuomo’s campaign just posted — and quickly deleted — this AI-generated ad depicting “criminals for Zohran Mamdani.”
Features a Black man in a keffiyeh shoplifting, an abuser, a trespasser, a trafficker, a drug dealer, and a drunk driver all declaring support for Mamdani.
Features a Black man in a keffiyeh shoplifting, an abuser, a trespasser, a trafficker, a drug dealer, and a drunk driver all declaring support for Mamdani.
October 24, 2025 at 1:54 PM
I cannot actually believe that Cuomo put out this insanely racist AI-slop deepfake ad. In a sane society, this alone ought to be a career-ending move.
Reposted by Andy Greenberg
Two weeks ago, we at WIRED published a video showing how a hacked casino card shuffling machine can be used for undetectable cheating in poker. Now it turns out the mob and a couple of NBA stars were already (allegedly) using exactly this trick to make millions. www.wired.com/story/how-ha...
How Hacked Card Shufflers Allegedly Enabled a Mob-Fueled Poker Scam That Rocked the NBA
WIRED recently demonstrated how to cheat at poker by hacking the Deckmate 2 card shufflers used in casinos. The mob was allegedly using the same trick to fleece victims for millions.
www.wired.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Two weeks ago, we at WIRED published a video showing how a hacked casino card shuffling machine can be used for undetectable cheating in poker. Now it turns out the mob and a couple of NBA stars were already (allegedly) using exactly this trick to make millions. www.wired.com/story/how-ha...
Two weeks ago, we at WIRED published a video showing how a hacked casino card shuffling machine can be used for undetectable cheating in poker. Now it turns out the mob and a couple of NBA stars were already (allegedly) using exactly this trick to make millions. www.wired.com/story/how-ha...
How Hacked Card Shufflers Allegedly Enabled a Mob-Fueled Poker Scam That Rocked the NBA
WIRED recently demonstrated how to cheat at poker by hacking the Deckmate 2 card shufflers used in casinos. The mob was allegedly using the same trick to fleece victims for millions.
www.wired.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Two weeks ago, we at WIRED published a video showing how a hacked casino card shuffling machine can be used for undetectable cheating in poker. Now it turns out the mob and a couple of NBA stars were already (allegedly) using exactly this trick to make millions. www.wired.com/story/how-ha...
Incredibly, the Justice Department today charged a group of alleged Cosa Nostra mobsters with using a version of the exact card shuffler hacking technique we demonstrated in the video below to rig poker games with an NBA player and coach, stealing millions. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
October 23, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Incredibly, the Justice Department today charged a group of alleged Cosa Nostra mobsters with using a version of the exact card shuffler hacking technique we demonstrated in the video below to rig poker games with an NBA player and coach, stealing millions. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Reposted by Andy Greenberg
Reposted by Andy Greenberg
Treat yourself to this incredible photo essay/interview series with Cybertruck owners from @zoeschiffer.bsky.social. Will put my favorite part in a reply below because it is a SPOILER.
Spit On, Sworn At, and Undeterred: What It’s Like to Own a Cybertruck
“We were the targets.” WIRED spoke to seven Tesla Cybertruck owners about their most controversial purchase and why they're proud to drive it.
www.wired.com
October 16, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Treat yourself to this incredible photo essay/interview series with Cybertruck owners from @zoeschiffer.bsky.social. Will put my favorite part in a reply below because it is a SPOILER.
Reposted by Andy Greenberg
NEW: In the most significant action against brutal scam compounds in Southeast Asia to date, US and UK officials have sanctioned the alleged operators of more than 10 scam centers in Cambodia.
146 entities linked to the Prince Group have been sanctioned—and $15 billion of crypto seized
146 entities linked to the Prince Group have been sanctioned—and $15 billion of crypto seized
Feds Seize Record-Breaking $15 Billion in Bitcoin From Alleged Scam Empire
Officials in the US and UK have taken sweeping action against “one of the largest investment fraud operations in history,” confiscating a historic amount of funds in the process.
www.wired.com
October 14, 2025 at 5:42 PM
NEW: In the most significant action against brutal scam compounds in Southeast Asia to date, US and UK officials have sanctioned the alleged operators of more than 10 scam centers in Cambodia.
146 entities linked to the Prince Group have been sanctioned—and $15 billion of crypto seized
146 entities linked to the Prince Group have been sanctioned—and $15 billion of crypto seized
Reposted by Andy Greenberg
Researchers pointed a satellite dish at the sky for 3 years and monitored what unencrypted data it picked up. The results were shocking: They obtained thousands of T-Mobile users' phone calls and texts, military and law enforcement secrets, much more: www.wired.com/story/satell... 🧵👇
Satellites Are Leaking the World’s Secrets: Calls, Texts, Military and Corporate Data
With just $800 in basic equipment, researchers found a stunning variety of data—including thousands of T-Mobile users’ calls and texts and even US military communications—sent by satellites unencrypte...
www.wired.com
October 14, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Researchers pointed a satellite dish at the sky for 3 years and monitored what unencrypted data it picked up. The results were shocking: They obtained thousands of T-Mobile users' phone calls and texts, military and law enforcement secrets, much more: www.wired.com/story/satell... 🧵👇