Banking on Fraudology is part of the Fraudology Podcast Network.

In this eye-opening episode of Banking on Fraudology, host Hailey Windham sits down with Travis Cox, a seasoned investigator from the South Carolina Department of Corrections, to explore the alarming world of contraband cell phones in prisons. Travis shares his firsthand experience combating organized crime networks that operate from behind bars, revealing how these illicit devices have become powerful tools for orchestrating everything from financial fraud to drug trafficking. The conversation delves into high-profile cases like "Operation Iron Pipeline," where inmates used contraband phones to coordinate interstate gun and drug smuggling operations. Travis explains how collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies was crucial to cracking these complex criminal enterprises. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the creative methods inmates use to obtain phones, the economics of the prison contraband market, and the sophisticated financial crimes being perpetrated by incarcerated individuals.

This episode is a must-listen for fraud fighters, bankers, and law enforcement professionals seeking to understand the intricate connections between prison contraband and wider criminal networks. Tune in to learn how cross-sector collaboration is key to combating these evolving threats and protecting our financial systems from behind-bars fraudsters.

Roy E. Cox

District of South Carolina | Two Men Charged With Illegally Trafficking Almost 60 Guns Into Philadelphia From South Carolina | United States Department of Justice

State Grand Jurors issue rare report on continued problem of organized crime run from within state prisons using contraband cellphones - South Carolina Attorney General

FCC approves cell phone jamming against SC prison inmates | The State

Man accused of setting fire at home of South Carolina corrections officer in suspected retaliation | WBTW

Ex-prison guard, shot six times, hails FCC push to allow cellphone jamming behind bars

Nine SCDC inmates, six others indicted in $5M fraud scheme | WCBD News 2

About Hailey Windham:

As a 2023 CU Rockstar Recipient, Hailey Windham, CFCS (Certified Financial Crimes Specialist) demonstrated unbounding passion for educating her community, organization and credit union membership on scams in the market and best practices to avoid them. She has implemented several programs within her previous organizations that aim at holistically learning about how to prevent and detect fraud targeted at membership and employees.

Windham’s initiatives to build strong...