Cryptocurrency Investigations and Blockchain Forensics
Is cryptocurrency being used to shield assets? Do you need to verify the amount and source of Bitcoin or other crypto funds someone claims to have? Is cryptocurrency being used to transfer funds anonymously or for illicit purposes?
On average, more than $100 billion worth of cryptocurrency changes hands every day. Cryptocurrencies can be used to transfer funds from person to person—anywhere in the world—within minutes, without the involvement of financial institutions, and without any government regulation, on a prima facie anonymous basis. Contrary to popular belief, these transactions can occur without the involvement of any cryptocurrency exchanges or trading platforms.
Led by a Certified Cryptocurrency Forensic Investigator with years of computer forensic and financial investigation experience, the NGH Group conducts bespoke investigations and analysis of cryptocurrency holdings and transactions, which includes tracing cryptocurrency on—and across—the various blockchains and identifying the entities involved. We are certified in the use of, and have full access to, Chainalysis Reactor, the world’s leading forensic tool for cryptocurrency and blockchain investigations.
Unlocking the Mysteries of Cryptocurrency
Assets were once hidden in safe deposit boxes. Ransom was demanded in unmarked bills. Funds for business transactions were held by reputable financial institutions.
In some cases, they still are. But today, divorcing spouses can easily hide assets in Bitcoin, or any one of thousands of other cryptocurrencies (altcoins). Hackers demand ransomware payments almost exclusively in Bitcoin. Parties to business transactions may offer or request payment in Bitcoin.
Do you suspect a spouse of concealing assets using cryptocurrency? Do you need to verify the legitimacy of cryptocurrency offered as payment? Are you thinking of meeting ransomware demands in Bitcoin? If you need to unravel any cryptocurrency mystery, contact the NGH Group.
Pulling Back the Crypto Curtain
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are stored and transmitted using blockchain, a distributed, decentralized ledger system. Rather than storing information in one central location like banks, data on blockchains “live” on many servers around the world and is updated constantly.
While many cryptocurrency blockchains are publicly available, and contain vast information about the transactions, they do not include the identities of the participants. Because no centralized authority stores that information, identifying the owners of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency addresses/accounts can be very difficult—but it is possible in many cases.
Using specialized forensic and investigative tools and methodologies, including Chainalysis Reactor, the NGH Group can efficiently trace funds across blockchains, determine where the funds came from and when , and sometimes identify the parties involved and other cryptocurrency funds they control. In short, we can peel away the layers of obfuscation built into cryptocurrency ecosystems to uncover the information you need.
Experts in Investigations, Forensics, Law, Tech and Crypto
In addition to holding the Chainalysis Reactor Certification (CRC) credential, Nicholas Himonidis is a Certified Computer Forensic Specialist, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Cryptocurrency Forensic Investigator, as well as a licensed private investigator and attorney. With more than 30 years of investigative experience and nearly 20 years of experience in computer forensics, he has taught and lectured on cryptocurrencies and blockchain investigations to many organizations, including:
- Nassau County Bar Association
- National Association of Divorce Professionals
- New York State Society of CPAs
- New York State Bar Association
- St. John’s University School of Law
- Brooklyn Bar Association
- Westchester County Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Society of Professional Investigators
- Long Island Tax Professionals Symposium
- International Association of Internal Auditors
- CPA Academy
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
