Tracing transactions
How transactions can be followed step by step across the blockchain.
Terms
This category holds the terms used to follow a flow of funds: the wallet, the seed phrase, tracing crypto, the mixer, the exchange, address monitoring, the cash-out point, cross-chain movement and the wallet hack. Together they describe the route from the first address to the point where value leaves the chain.
Below we explain the terms that come up when tracing transactions. Calm and traceable: what something is, what it may indicate and a recognisable example. If you run into something, we are glad to think along with you.
These terms become relevant as soon as you want to know whether an amount can still be followed. That depends on whether the chain is public, whether intermediate services were used and whether the money reached a provider that can identify a customer. Knowing the difference between an address, a wallet and an exchange balance also makes clear why speed matters and why not every trail leads to a name. The explanations below provide that background.
Frequently asked questions about tracing transactions
Tracing crypto transactions raises questions about what can and cannot be reconstructed. The terms above explain the parts; these answers line them up.
Can crypto transactions really be traced?
Many transactions are traceable on the blockchain, because they are recorded publicly and permanently. Paucitas maps those trails in a traceable report.
Does tracing transactions help me get my money back?
Tracing makes clear where the assets went. That can support a police report or claim, but an outcome is never guaranteed. This is not legal advice.
What do I need to have a transaction traced?
As much data as possible: transaction IDs, wallet addresses, amounts and timestamps. The more complete the starting point, the further the trail can be followed.
Short answers to specific questions
One short page per question, with the answer in the first two sentences.
Background reading from the blog
Longer pieces on the same subject, with cases and practical steps.
- Tracing crypto across multiple wallets and mixers: what stays traceable
- From address to exchange: how stolen crypto is traced
- Case study: crypto followed through a mixer to the end point
- Address monitoring: keeping an eye on a crypto address after an incident
- Case study: a transaction followed from victim to exchange
- Identifying crypto money laundering: the patterns on the blockchain
- Stolen bitcoin: how the investigation works
- Recovering stolen crypto: what is realistic and what is not
- Wallet investigation after theft: what your transactions reveal
- Frequently asked questions about blockchain investigation and aftercare
See also the overview of topics and pillars and the overview of questions.
Your own situation
If you are reading this, you probably have a question about your own situation. That is exactly what Paucitas does.
The first step is contact by phone. We prefer to schedule that call through WhatsApp, so you do not have to wait. In the call we look together at what can factually be established in your case and what Paucitas can examine for you.