forensics

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There’s No Such Thing as Tainted Bitcoins

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All bitcoins are created equal. But in the eyes of blockchain forensics firms, some bitcoins are more equal than others. If these companies are to be believed, coins that have been used in criminal transactions are ‘tainted,’ destined to be forever linked with nefarious activity. The reality, however, is far different, for ‘taint’ is solely … Read more

New Chainalysis Report Sheds Light on Darknet Markets and the Need for Onchain Privacy

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Darknet market activity hit new highs in 2019, as shown in a new report from blockchain forensics firm Chainalysis. Despite concerted attempts from law enforcement (LE) to crack down on darknet markets (DNMs), coupled with several exit scams, crypto inflows and outflows surpassed $800 million last year. Also read: Monopoly Is a Tiny Darknet Market … Read more

New Liberty Dollar Founder Subpoenaed in the Billion-Dollar Bitcoin Lawsuit

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The ongoing Kleiman v. Wright case saw expert testimony on Monday from the plaintiff’s cryptography specialist, alongside the defendant Craig Wright’s witness, Nchain CTO Steve Shadders. The court participants discussed parsing through 27,000 bitcoin addresses as well the Kleimans’ forensic expert finding discrepancies within specific documents and contracts between the two business partners. Moreover, it … Read more

Chainalysis Whistleblower Shares Company Secrets in Explosive AMA

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A current or former Chainalysis employee has gone rogue and conducted an AMA on r/Bitcoin in which he disclosed sensitive information about the company’s blockchain forensics capabilities. The whistleblower then appears to have had a change of heart and deleted all their comments. Thankfully, the internet never forgets. The comments remain archived on Removeddit.com and … Read more

A Forensic Analysis of Blockchain Surveillance Companies

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Blockchain analysis is big business. The U.S. government alone has spent $6 million on transaction mapping tools, while cryptocurrency exchanges routinely partner with compliance companies that promise to track and trace the origin of customer funds. Hated by many bitcoiners, blockchain forensics is a controversial field with a plethora of players. The following analysis shines … Read more

Indian Government Inaugurates National Cryptocurrency Forensic Lab

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The government of India has reportedly inaugurated a national cyber forensics lab which includes a cryptocurrency forensic lab to perform crypto-related analyses. Alongside this is the inauguration of the Delhi Police’s cybercrime unit which will deal with fraud involving cryptocurrencies. It is the first cybercrime awareness and detection center in the country, according to a commissioner. … Read more

South Korea’s Largest Crypto Exchange Upbit Under Investigation for Fraud

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The largest cryptocurrency exchange in South Korea, Upbit, is suspected of fraud and is currently under investigation. The prosecutors have conducted searches at the exchange and confiscated computers and accounting records. Also read: Yahoo! Japan Confirms Entrance Into the Crypto Space Upbit Under Investigation South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, the Kakao-backed Upbit is suspected of fraud, … Read more

The IRS Takes Its Tax Evasion Hunt to the Blockchain

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As the adage goes, there are two certainties in life: death and taxes. For any U.S. bitcoiners considering wriggling out of the latter, that task just got a little harder. The country’s Internal Revenue Service has revealed that it’s bolstering its armory to make it easier to track down crypto tax evaders. It’s now assembled … Read more