Investigators can often follow stolen cryptocurrency across public blockchains, but a transaction trail is not the same as knowing who controls a wallet—or getting the funds back. They combine ledger data with analysis of address patterns, information from the case, and, where available, records held by exchanges and other service providers. Identification, freezing, seizure, and recovery are separate steps.
What investigators can see on a public blockchain
A public blockchain records transactions, so investigators can start with an address or transaction linked to a theft and inspect where funds went next. That visibility does not make the wallet owner’s identity public: addresses are generally pseudonymous. A trail can show movement between addresses without, by itself, naming the person behind them.
In a 2020 court filing, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) described how blockchain-analysis services use transaction data to group addresses into clusters. Patterns such as funds being combined or split can suggest that addresses are related or controlled by the same person or group. These are investigative inferences, not proof supplied by an address label, and they need context and corroboration. DOJ court filing
How a tracing investigation follows stolen funds
- Begin with a known address or transaction. Investigators use information associated with the reported theft to establish a starting point, then examine that blockchain’s public transaction history.
- Follow transfers and assess address relationships. They track funds as they are split, combined, or sent through intermediary addresses. Clustering tools can help identify patterns, but a relationship between addresses remains an inference to be assessed alongside other evidence.
- Track conversions and movement between chains. A thief may convert one cryptocurrency into another or move value through services and protocols that connect different networks. DOJ called conversion between cryptocurrencies “chain hopping” in a 2020 exchange-hack matter. The extra steps complicate a trace, but may leave records that investigators can compare. DOJ’s 2020 announcement
- Look for an exchange or other service-provider touchpoint. If funds reach a service that holds customer records, investigators may seek information connecting activity to an account. The DOJ says exchanges collect identifying information and that subpoenas or other appropriate legal process can sometimes reveal who was responsible for a transaction. What records exist and whether authorities can obtain them depend on the provider, jurisdiction, and process.
- Coordinate a possible intervention. A trace may give an exchange, custodian, or law-enforcement agency information to act on. Freezing or seizing assets is a distinct step, not an automatic result of identifying their movement. Chainalysis describes a U.S.-focused seizure process involving evidence, coordination with an exchange or custodian, and judicial authorization; procedures elsewhere may differ. Chainalysis’s seizure-process explainer
Why crossing chains does not necessarily erase the trail
Cross-chain movement makes investigators compare activity on different networks rather than follow one ledger alone. In a case study published October 1, 2026, blockchain-analysis firm Chainalysis reported that $387 million was stolen from Bitget on September 24, 2026. Chainalysis said that in the first three hours funds moved across Ethereum, XRP, Zcash, and Tron, and that its investigators matched deposits on one network with payouts on another through protocols. Those figures and investigative details are Chainalysis’s account of the case, not independently verified findings here; an evolving investigation can change. Chainalysis’s Bitget case study
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Chainalysis also said its investigators used AI-assisted automation while retaining human review and investigative direction. That describes the vendor’s account of its work in this case; it does not establish that automated analysis alone identifies a culprit or recovers assets.
What tracing can establish—and what it cannot
- Movement: Transaction records can show where assets moved on the networks examined.
- Possible relationships: Clustering can support an inference that addresses are connected, but does not independently prove who controls them.
- Identity: A service-provider record may connect an on-chain trail to an account holder if relevant records exist and investigators obtain them through appropriate process.
- Intervention or recovery: Locating funds does not itself freeze them, authorize seizure, or ensure they are returned. Those outcomes require separate cooperation and, where applicable, legal steps.
The distinction matters because a visible trail is evidence to investigate, not an automatic identification system. In the DOJ’s 2020 announcement, then IRS Criminal Investigation chief Don Fort said: “Despite the highly sophisticated laundering techniques used, IRS-CI’s Cybercrimes Unit was able to successfully trace stolen funds directly back to North Korean actors.” That was a statement about the case described, not a guarantee that every investigation will identify a person or recover stolen funds. DOJ’s 2020 announcement
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why outcomes vary from one hack to another
Whether tracing leads to identification or intervention depends on the evidence and the practical routes available to investigators. Relevant differences include:
- Which blockchains and transaction records are available.
- How many intermediary addresses, conversions, bridges, or protocols the funds pass through.
- Whether analysis can confidently connect addresses or match cross-chain deposits with payouts.
- Whether the funds reach a cooperative or legally reachable exchange or custodian.
- Whether authorities can obtain the necessary legal process in time to act.
The cited sources do not establish a general success rate or average recovery time for stolen cryptocurrency from exchange hacks. Individual cases show that funds can sometimes be traced through complex routes; they do not provide a reliable probability or timetable for a new case.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What past cases illustrate
The DOJ’s 2020 announcement described a July 2019 hack in which more than $272,000 in alternative cryptocurrencies and tokens was allegedly stolen, as well as a related September 2019 theft of nearly $2.5 million. According to the DOJ, funds moved through intermediary addresses and exchanges and were sometimes converted to bitcoin or Tether. These were allegations in a forfeiture matter, not a determination of liability. DOJ’s 2020 announcement
Together with the Bitget case study, the examples illustrate two routes investigators may have to analyze: conversion among assets and services, and movement across multiple blockchains. Neither example establishes how often funds are recovered.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
