Crypto investigation
Analysis of the movement of cryptocurrency funds on public blockchains: tracing transactions, clustering addresses and attempting to link addresses to real persons through available points of identification.
Practical significance
The public nature of a blockchain does not mean transparency of ownership: transfers are visible, but names are not. The value of the work lies in attribution - identifying the points where a crypto asset touches the regulated world - and in preparing materials for legal action.
Where it is used
- recovery of funds after fraud
- tracing of a debtor's assets
- disputes over digital assets
- compliance checks of transactions
What the term does not mean
Does not mean that funds can be recovered by technical means or that access can be obtained to someone else's wallet. Recovery is possible only through legal mechanisms and exchanges.
How it differs from «Asset Tracing»
Classic tracing works with registries of title. Crypto investigation works with public transactions, where the owner is not indicated and is established indirectly. More about this term
Illustrative example
The funds pass through several addresses and reach an exchange with identification procedures in place - and it is this point that becomes the basis for a legal request.
Related terms, services and guides
Definition verified 3 August 2026
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