> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://tools.osintnewsletter.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://tools.osintnewsletter.com/osint-tools/block-explorer.md).

# Block Explorer

| **Block Explorer** | **Quick Overview**                                                                                                                                                             |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| URL                | <https://www.blockexplorer.com/>                                                                                                                                               |
| What it does       | Provides a searchable view of blockchain data to examine cryptocurrency transactions, wallet balances, addresses, blocks, timestamps, transaction fees, & confirmation status. |
| How to use it      | Search for a cryptocurrency wallet address, transaction hash, block number or block hash, or select a chain to explore, then review results.                                   |
| Cost               | Free.                                                                                                                                                                          |
| Account required   | No.                                                                                                                                                                            |
| Cookies            | Essential session and security cookies plus Google Analytics cookies.                                                                                                          |
| Ownership          | Originally developed by Michael Marquardt (theymos) and now owned by Liraz Siri.                                                                                               |
| Use in Reporting   | Useful for verifying cryptocurrency transactions, documenting blockchain evidence, confirming payment activity, and tracing fund flows during investigations.                  |

### What does Block Explorer do?

Block Explorer allows investigators to inspect blockchain records, verify transactions, follow the movement of funds, and gather evidence from publicly available ledger data. While it excels at showing what happened on-chain, it cannot by itself reveal who controls a wallet.&#x20;

**The lowdown:** The tool allows anyone to look directly into blockchain records without needing to run their own blockchain node.

### How to Use:

**1. Search for a cryptocurrency wallet address, transaction hash (TXID), or block number. Alternatively, select a chain to explore:**

<img src="/files/yX7GQr8lRB971qhae9Sx" alt="" height="279" width="602">

**2. Review the results, paying particular attention to transaction timestamps, input and output addresses, amounts transferred, confirmation counts, patterns of repeated activity, and links between wallets.**

<img src="/files/8m8qowrGK7qPrviRzGaw" alt="" height="283" width="602">

<img src="/files/bPsxUCleB4di5TiyhrKt" alt="" height="161" width="602">

**3. Document relevant findings with screenshots, transaction URLs, and exported records where available.**&#x20;

### Cost

* [x] Free
* [ ] Partially Free
* [ ] Paid

## Data Processing

### Account Required:

* [ ] Yes
* [x] No

### Cookies:&#x20;

Block Explorer uses essential session and security cookies to maintain site functionality and protect against automated traffic, alongside Google Analytics cookies that collect anonymous visitor usage statistics.

### Use in Reporting

Block Explorer can support reporting by:

* Verifying cryptocurrency transactions.
* Demonstrating movement of funds.
* Identifying wallet activity timelines.
* Supporting fraud, scam, ransomware, or cybercrime investigations.
* Providing evidence for financial intelligence reports.
* Corroborating claims about cryptocurrency payments.
* Building visual transaction trails for case files.

Investigative journalists and researchers regularly use blockchain explorers to verify cryptocurrency transactions linked to scams, ransomware payments, hacks, sanctions evasion, and fraud investigation. Likewise, cryptocurrency news outlets often cite transaction records obtained from blockchain explorers when reporting large fund movements, exchange activity, or transfers involving high-profile wallets.&#x20;

| **Capabilities**                                                                         | **Limitations**                                                                                   |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Searches cryptocurrency wallet addresses, transaction IDs, block numbers & block hashes. | Cannot identify the real-world owner of a wallet address without additional intelligence.         |
| Verifies whether a cryptocurrency transaction occurred & whether it’s been confirmed.    | Only displays information that’s publicly available on the blockchain.                            |
| Tracks the movement of funds between publicly visible wallet addresses.                  | Limited effectiveness when investigating privacy-focused cryptocurrencies/anonymisation services. |
| Displays transaction details including timestamps, amounts transferred & network fees.   | Doesn’t explain the purpose/context behind a transaction.                                         |
| Provides evidence that can support fraud, scam, cybercrime & financial investigations.   | <p><br></p>                                                                                       |

### Summary

Block Explorer is a straightforward but powerful OSINT resource for cryptocurrency investigations. While it excels at showing what happened on-chain, it cannot by itself reveal who controls a wallet.

### Ownership

Originally developed by Michael Marquardt (theymos) and now owned by[ Liraz Siri.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/liraz?originalSubdomain=sg)

### Ethical Considerations

* Blockchain data may be public, but avoid making assumptions about ownership based solely on wallet activity..
* Cryptocurrency addresses do not automatically identify individuals.
* Be mindful of privacy implications when publishing wallet addresses linked to individuals.
* Maintain clear audit trails and evidential records when using blockchain data in formal investigations.

### Related Tools:

* Blockchain Explorer
* Blockstream Explorer
* Etherscan

#### Sources

<https://www.blockexplorer.com/>&#x20;

<https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/BlockExplorer.com>&#x20;

<https://www.chainalysis.com/blog/is-bitcoin-traceable/>&#x20;

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/liraz?originalSubdomain=sg>