How to verify funds’ cleanliness with BestChange’s AML service — a guide

In 2024, the BestChange exchange monitor launched an AML analysis tool for cryptocurrency addresses, priced at $0.20 per check.

Here is how it works, followed by a test of crypto-asset cleanliness.

A brief note on BestChange

BestChange is an aggregator (monitor) of services for exchanging cryptocurrencies, electronic money and cash, launched in 2007.

The team ranks trading venues by the most favourable rate, checks their reliability and compiles reviews. The aggregator is operated by Agretis Software Design LLC, based in Dubai (UAE).

The monitor does not guarantee transactions. It helps users decide whether to proceed by providing client comments, information on rates, reserves and the exchanger’s age.

How BestChange’s AML analyzer works

The AML analyzer checks cryptocurrency addresses before transactions to minimise the risk of receiving “dirty” funds.

At the time of publication, the service supports more than 80 cryptocurrencies and tokens, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Toncoin (TON), as well as the stablecoins Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC) and DAI across various networks.

No registration is required. To check an address, you need to:

• on the BestChange homepage, go to the Address check section;
• enter the wallet address, choose the cryptocurrency/token’s blockchain and provide an email.

Testing the AML analyzer

We put the service to the test with an address linked to the recent hack of Turkish crypto exchange BtcTurk. We pasted it into the relevant field, entered an email and clicked “Check address for $0.20”.

BestChange sent an email with a link to the payment page. After paying, the AML report became available via that link.

As of early July 2024, the AML analyzer supports Tron, Lightning Network, Volet (USD), Payeer (USD) and BestChange vouchers.

We chose Lightning Network — scanned the QR code with the Wallet of Satoshi Lightning wallet and sent 327 satoshis ($0.20).

The service delivered the report almost instantly after payment. The address received a (Risk Score) rating of “Risky”.

The “Detailed analysis” link shows AML tags such as Dark market (shadow market), Illegal service (provision of illegal services) or Sanctions (sanctions). The full list is on the BestChange site. In our case, 100% of the funds on the address are marked as Stolen coins (stolen coins).

“Risk Score is a dynamic indicator. It changes because of asset movements or the appearance of indirect links between an address and various sources. Even if an owner does not receive or send funds for a long time, the Risk Score may change due to new transactions in the wallets it has interacted with,” BestChange representatives comment.

The results remain available via the link sent to the specified email. Users can refresh them for free at any time by pressing the corresponding button in the AML report.

Conclusions

In 2024, all major exchangers and exchanges use AML tools to screen transactions. If “dirty” cryptocurrencies are received, they may freeze a client’s account and pass information to law enforcement.

BestChange lists only vetted exchangers and continuously monitors their performance. However, if you are unsure about a counterparty’s reliability, the service recommends running your own AML check of the address before trading.