Proving crypto fraud – Blockchain evidence for criminal charges and recovery

Crypto fraud presents lawyers, companies, and affected investors with particular evidentiary challenges. Cryptocurrencies have long been an integral part of private and corporate asset structures. Unlike traditional bank transactions, asset transfers occur via blockchain infrastructures – often across borders and employing technically complex obfuscation mechanisms.

In practice, it is not suspicion but the quality of the evidence that determines whether investigative authorities take action and whether civil claims can be successfully substantiated. A structured forensic analysis is therefore a central component of any effective strategy for dealing with crypto fraud.

Blockchain transactions as primary evidence

The blockchain itself provides the most important technical proof. Every transaction is permanently documented and independently verifiable. For a usable representation, the transaction hash, participating wallet addresses, timestamps, amount, and token type are particularly relevant.

However, what is crucial is not just the availability of this data, but its structured documentation. Screenshots from blockchain explorers are generally insufficient. A comprehensible presentation is required that remains valid even in criminal proceedings or civil litigation.

Of central importance is also the attribution of the wallet to the affected company or client. This verification is regularly carried out using stock exchange documents, deposit slips, or internal wallet documentation.

Forensic tracing and reconstruction of transaction chains

In complex fraud cases, crypto assets rarely remain at a single address. They are often routed through multiple intermediaries, moved across cross-chain structures, or fragmented through obfuscation mechanisms.

Professional blockchain analysis enables the reconstruction of complete transaction chains. This allows for the identification of wallet clusters, the recognition of connections to exchange addresses, and the localization of potential exit points. These exit points are particularly relevant for investigations, as they often contain regulated interfaces through which identity data was collected.

For criminal charges, a structured tracing report increases the likelihood of concrete investigative measures. For civil proceedings, it creates the necessary factual basis for substantiating a claim.

Requests for information and identification of defendants

Blockchain addresses are initially pseudonymous. Personalization therefore requires regular requests for information from cryptocurrency exchanges or service providers that process KYC data.

Such data can include identity documents, registration information, deposit and withdrawal data, and technical logs. Linking this information with forensic analysis often constitutes the crucial step in identifying potential defendants.

Especially for lawyers, the strategic integration of technical analysis and legal claim logic is crucial.

Digital traces and end devices as a supplementary source of evidence

Besides blockchain data, end devices can have significant evidentiary value. In many cases, access is gained via manipulated platforms, remote software, or social engineering methods.

Affected devices may show signs of remote access, malware, or unauthorized activity. For companies, the question of whether internal security mechanisms were followed or whether third-party liability should be considered may also become relevant.

Therefore, securing digital traces early is regularly advisable.

Structured evidence gathering as a basis for criminal charges and restitution claims

An effective criminal complaint in the area of crypto fraud requires a clear and comprehensible description of the transaction structure. The more precisely transaction data, wallet assignments, and payment methods are documented, the higher the likelihood that investigating authorities will review security measures.

For civil claims, a purely technical presentation is insufficient. A consistent connection between the facts, evidence, and legal basis for the claim is required. A structured presentation is essential, particularly in cases involving potential chains of liability or third-party responsibility.

Financial Forensics – Professional Analysis of Crypto-Related Matters

Financial forensics supports lawyers, companies, and individuals in the structured investigation of financial fraud, cryptocurrency fraud, and asset concealment. The focus is on the legally admissible analysis of payment flows, the identification of digital traces, and the verifiable reconstruction of complex transactions.

The aim is to establish a reliable factual basis that can be used both in criminal proceedings and in the context of civil claims enforcement – plausible, comprehensible and discreet.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Crucial elements include blockchain transaction data, wallet addresses, transaction hashes, timestamps, as well as communication records and payment receipts. Structured documentation is essential for filing criminal charges and seeking reimbursement.

Generally not. Screenshots can be helpful, but they do not replace a comprehensible and auditable documentation of the transaction data.

Yes. Blockchain transactions are permanently stored and technically verifiable. Through professional analysis, payment flows can be traced and presented as legally valid evidence.

For criminal proceedings and civil claims, it must be verifiable that the wallet used can actually be attributed to the victim. Without this plausibility check, the evidence is incomplete.

The transaction hash is the unique digital identifier of a blockchain transaction. It serves as technical proof that a specific transfer has actually taken place.

Blockchain tracing enables the tracking of transaction chains across multiple wallets and can identify exit points where crypto assets may have been converted into fiat currency.

Cryptocurrency exchanges often store KYC data, deposit and withdrawal information, and login logs. This data can help link wallet addresses to specific individuals.

 

Yes. Evidence of remote access, malware, or manipulated platforms can corroborate the events and strengthen the evidence.

An effective criminal complaint should include structured transaction data, wallet assignments, communication evidence, and a traceable account of the payment methods.

A forensic analysis combines technical blockchain evaluation with legal classification. This creates a solid basis for investigations and civil claims.

Picture of David Lüdtke
David Lüdtke
David Lüdtke is the managing director of Krypto Investigation GmbH and a certified Crystal Expert (CECF, CEEI, CEUI) specializing in blockchain and financial forensics.

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