Who acts as an independent expert on blockchain in court proceedings?
By R.T. (Tyler) Dijst, blockchain investigator at Paucitas
What an independent expert on blockchain does
We answer the question put to us and no more: who does this address belong to, where did these funds go, is the position on this date correct, can this pattern be interpreted. The answer comes with the working steps, so the other side can recalculate them.
We work on the instructions of a lawyer, of both parties jointly or of the court. Even when one party instructs us the method does not change; what we cannot establish stays open. See the term independent expert.
What you supply
The question as formulated in the proceedings, the pleadings that bear on the facts, the addresses and transaction hashes, and any earlier reports. The sharper the question, the more usable the answer.
What you receive
An expert report setting out the question, the data and sources used, the method, the findings, the limitations and a signed conclusion. On request, an oral explanation at the hearing.
We also record what cannot be established. That reads as less decisive, but it is exactly the part that keeps a report standing.
How to get started
Your lawyer sends the draft question and the available material. In a first conversation we say whether the question can be answered and what the lead time will be.
European supervisors publish background on crypto assets and the rules that apply to them: see ESMA and EBA.
We do not give a legal opinion and we do not pronounce on liability or fault. We answer the factual question about the blockchain.
Frequently asked questions
Who acts as an independent expert on blockchain?
A party with no interest in the outcome working to a retraceable method, such as Paucitas, instructed by a lawyer, by both parties or by the court.
Can an expert be instructed by one party?
Yes. The method stays the same and the limitations are named in the same way.
Does the expert attend the hearing?
On request we give an oral explanation of the report.
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.