Investigating Cryptocurrencies: Understanding, Extracting, and Analyzing Blockchain Evidence

by Nick Furneaux

Nick Furneaux's Investigating Cryptocurrencies is a practical guide for law enforcement, forensic examiners, and security professionals who need to trace cryptocurrency transactions and identify wallet owners. The book covers the fundamentals of blockchain technology, Bitcoin transaction structure, and the pseudonymous nature of cryptocurrency addresses. It then progresses to practical investigation techniques including blockchain exploration, transaction graph analysis, address clustering, exchange identification, and working with commercial analysis tools. Furneaux covers the legal considerations for cryptocurrency investigations, how to seize and manage digital assets, and how to present blockchain evidence in court. The book addresses Bitcoin, Ethereum, and privacy coins, with guidance on the limitations of tracing techniques when mixers, tumblers, and privacy-focused cryptocurrencies are involved.