Very interesting article, thanks for linking it. I started writing some replies not just to your comment, but to others about blockchain, and it became a beast. It's now a blog article in the works and pushing about 2000 words already. So expect that over the next day or so. haha

I will say though, that the person being interviewed was very careful to use words like "detect," "analyze," and "predict" when talking about fraud and criminal activity. When asked about whether it could be stopped, he very explicitly said no and spoke about needing to combine the blockchain with other applications and analytic software. I think where it falls down (as far as out and out prevention) which he alludes to, but doesn't explicitly say, is the anonymity aspect.

If they can analyse data for known, identifiable entities, then absolutely, they may be able to actively prevent crime. But while things are anonymous, then there's still the opportunity for criminals to get away with things while analysts sit around a board room table nodding their heads, saying "see? uhuh. told ya so." :)

Still it's fascinating technology and I'm finding it interesting in the way it's being applied in different sectors.