Our Investigation Process
Our investigation process combines blockchain transaction analysis, wallet relationship mapping, and investigator review to identify potential fund movements and investigative leads. Where appropriate, we coordinate with external legal professionals. Outcomes depend on the circumstances of each case.
Free Case Review
Submit your case details through our secure form. We aim to acknowledge new submissions within one business day. The initial assessment is free; the time it takes depends on the information provided and the complexity of the case.
Investigation & Tracing
Our analysts trace fund movements across wallets and exchanges and document the findings. Where the evidence supports it, the results can be prepared in a form suitable for legal or compliance use.
Recovery & Return
Where viable options exist, we support recovery efforts, contacting exchanges through their established reporting channels and coordinating with external legal professionals where appropriate. Our standard fee is success-based.
Blockchain Forensic Analysis
Every cryptocurrency transaction is permanently recorded on the blockchain. Our analysis can follow funds through multiple wallet transfers, exchange deposits, bridge transactions, and mixing attempts, subject to the available on-chain evidence. We support:
- Ethereum & ERC-20 tokens: Full trace of ETH, USDT, USDC, and any ERC-20 token
- Bitcoin: UTXO analysis and cluster identification
- Solana & SOL tokens: Program-level transaction tracing
- Cross-chain bridging: Tracking funds moved between blockchains
- DeFi protocols: Uniswap, Aave, Compound, and other protocol interactions
Smart Contract Recovery
Where technically feasible, recovery procedures may involve Ethereum smart contract functionality. Any such functionality, supported networks, and transaction requirements are explained before work begins. Where it is used, it can:
- Record ownership evidence derived from cryptographic signatures
- Document the steps of a recovery as an on-chain audit trail
- Support ETH and ERC-20 tokens, with other networks assessed case by case
Smart contract functionality cannot compel a third party to return funds. Its role, and its limits, are set out in the service agreement before any work begins.
Legal Action & Enforcement
When technical options are not sufficient, we may coordinate with external legal professionals in the relevant jurisdictions. Depending on the case, this can involve:
- Applications for court orders to freeze assets held on exchanges
- Civil claims against fraudulent platform operators
- Supporting clients in reporting to law enforcement
- Cross-border proceedings, where jurisdiction allows
Any legal representation is subject to confirmation of the relevant lawyer's qualifications, jurisdiction, engagement terms, and authority to act in the specific case. Court outcomes are decided by the courts, not by us.
No Win, No Fee
EthGuardians' standard fee arrangement is success-based. This means:
- No upfront fees for case review or initial investigation
- You only pay a pre-agreed percentage of funds actually recovered
- If no recovery is achieved, no success fee is due
- The agreed percentage, payment conditions, and any potential third-party costs, exclusions, and client obligations are disclosed in the service agreement before work begins