Free AML Check from Trustee Plus Protects You from “Dirty” Crypto

Blockchain technology and its derivative, cryptocurrency, have given people the freedom to manage their money independently — owning it 100%, transferring it anywhere in the world without banking restrictions, investing, spending, or multiplying their assets.

However, this freedom has a downside — money laundering and criminal activities that governments cannot directly eliminate or stop. So, what can be done? How can citizens and their funds be protected? How can we fight against “dirty” finances while preserving the benefits of cryptocurrencies?

The answer is a free online AML check, the result of a joint effort between crypto platforms and regulators from various countries. Today, we will discuss it in detail.

What is an AML Check and Why is it Necessary?

In 2009, Bitcoin appeared, followed by hundreds of other networks. For a decade, they operated with virtually no regulation (with rare exceptions). This lack of oversight allowed digital assets to be used in criminal activities (such as tax evasion, terrorist financing, and dark market transactions) without consequences, which also gave cryptocurrencies a bad reputation. It wasn’t until 2019 that things changed.

Three U.S. regulators — CFTC, SEC, and FinCEN — officially recognized cryptocurrency exchanges as financial institutions along  with banks. From that moment, all AML rules outlined in the BSA were extended to cryptocurrencies.

The primary mechanism for enforcing AML in the crypto space became the online AML check for “dirty” funds.

What is “Dirty” Cryptocurrency and Why is it Dangerous?

One of blockchain’s core principles is transparency — every user can see every transaction ever made on the network. If someone knows an address owner, they can track all their transactions, including recipient and sender addresses, amounts, and other details.

In the context of AML, this enables comprehensive tracking of fund sources, making it an ideal tool for identifying wallets linked to criminal activities.

“Dirty” cryptocurrency refers to any digital assets held in addresses that have been flagged by regulators. These blacklists are compiled based on investigations by law enforcement agencies and other authoritative organizations worldwide. Even cryptocurrency exchanges can mark an external address as an unreliable source of funds.

How Can “Dirty” Crypto Affect Users?

Even a single transaction can link your crypto address to blacklisted ones:

• Direct transfers: Also known as “dusting attacks,” where mass transfers of small amounts of tainted crypto result in widespread account restrictions.
• Indirect transfers: If you receive funds from individuals or services involved in crimes or failing to follow AML rules, such as the Tornado Cash crypto mixer.

This connection can lead to:

• Account and asset freezes (if using compliant exchanges and wallets).
• Fines and scrutiny from regulatory agencies.

How Long Does an AML Check Take?

Technically, “dirty” assets are indistinguishable from “clean” ones. There are no built-in blockchain tools for marking or blocking assets and addresses. However, centralized services enforce AML rules externally, such as crypto exchanges and wallet providers.

AML verification of assets can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on:

• Complexity: High transaction volumes or long transaction chains require detailed analysis.
• Technical capabilities: Large, reputable platforms invest more in AML procedures.
• Legal considerations: Secondary checks may be required due to risk associations.

Which Services are Sanctioned?

The following are sanctioned crypto services according to AML standards. Trustee Plus does not work with any of them:

• Tornado Cash – A major crypto mixer accused by the U.S. OFAC of laundering $7 billion over four years.
• Lazarus Group – A North Korean hacking group responsible for major hacks, using crypto to fund the regime.
• Garantex – A Russian crypto exchange blacklisted in 2022 for laundering funds linked to cybercrime.
• Hydra – The largest darknet marketplace, which used crypto for illicit drug trade before being shut down in 2022.
• ChipMixer – A crypto mixer that helps criminals obfuscate “dirty” transactions.

Can You Lose Your Crypto Due to AML Checks?

Yes. Even an accidental link to dirty crypto can get your wallet blacklisted, meaning your assets could be frozen.

According to HAPI Labs, if just 15% of your assets originate from illicit sources, your wallet may be frozen. In most cases, unlocking frozen funds is nearly impossible — receiving crypto from a sanctioned source is equivalent to losing it.

However, Trustee Plus users cannot lose funds — they will either be credited to the account or refunded. The only exception is if the assets are stolen and under investigation by law enforcement. In that case, Trustee Plus must hold the funds under a court order until resolved.

How to Check if Crypto is “Clean”?

Blockchain transparency enhances trust in the system and helps maintain a lower percentage of illegal transactions than in fiat currencies.

However, “dirty” crypto addresses cannot be easily “cleaned”. Criminals use various laundering methods, such as:

• Mixing dirty funds with clean ones via crypto mixers.
• Swapping assets across blockchains that hide transaction history (e.g., Monero).
• Masking transactions as miner rewards or NFT sales.

AML procedures counter these tactics through:

• Transaction linkage analysis and fraud detection, increasingly using AI technologies.
• Certification of crypto services.
• Blacklist and whitelist tracking.
• KYC (Know Your Customer) verification.

To check crypto sources yourself, you can use:

• Blockchain analytics tools like Chainalysis, Elliptic, GetBlock, and CipherTrace.
• Blockchain explorers (e.g., EtherScan marks suspicious Ethereum addresses).
• Official regulatory lists, such as OFAC’s sanctions lists.

How to Avoid Crypto Freezes?

To prevent losing funds:

• Check your wallet using an AML checker before making transfers. Trustee Plus offers a free AML Check Bot!
• Verify fund sources through blockchain tracking tools.
• Avoid suspicious services, especially sanctioned platforms and gambling sites.
• Diversify your assets — use multiple wallets for different purposes to minimize risks.

The Ultimate Solution: Trustee Plus

The best way to avoid “dirty” crypto and asset freezes is to use trusted wallets and exchanges that comply with AML and KYC regulations.

Trustee Plus is one such solution — a crypto wallet with an integrated crypto card that ensures security.

Why Trustee Plus?

• Automated AML checks for all incoming transactions.
• Licensed as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP), regulated under EU crypto laws.
• Encrypted personal data and access keys, secured with biometrics, PIN, and 2FA.
• Full compliance with KYC procedures, including verification via international documents or Ukraine’s Diia digital service.

With Trustee Plus, you get 100% protection from “dirty” crypto and asset freezes while enjoying all the benefits of blockchain in one app.