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How Martin Carnigan Lost His Crypto Savings: A Cautionary Tale

Author

Written By

Martha C. White

Written by

Martha C. White

Contributor, Buy Side from WSJ

Martha C. White is a contributor to Buy Side from WSJ and a finance expert, specializing in banking, loans and credit cards.

Edited By

Valerie Morris

Written by

Valerie Morris

Editor, Buy Side from WSJ

Valerie Morris is an editor at Buy Side from WSJ and personal finance expert.

Updated January 7, 2025, 2:36 PM EST

Martin Carnigan was a seasoned cryptocurrency investor who had spent years carefully building his portfolio. With over $100,000 in digital assets securely stored in his wallet, Martin felt confident about his financial future. However, one critical oversight led to a devastating loss.

Unbeknownst to Martin, some of the funds in his wallet came from illicit sources. When he tried to transfer part of his assets to a new exchange to take advantage of a promising investment opportunity, the transaction was flagged during a routine Anti-Money Laundering (AML) check. Authorities froze his wallet, suspecting that it was connected to criminal activity. Despite Martin’s attempts to explain his situation and prove his innocence, the investigation dragged on for months. Meanwhile, his funds remained inaccessible, causing significant financial and emotional distress. This painful experience highlighted a vital lesson: even if you’re not involved in illegal activities, failing to verify the origin of funds in your wallet can have dire consequences.

Protect Your Investments with AML Verification

To avoid Martin’s fate, it’s essential to verify the source of funds in your crypto wallet. AML checks can help ensure your assets are not linked to suspicious or criminal activity. Many services, such as Bybit’s AML verification tool, make it easy to check your wallet’s compliance and protect your financial future.

Take Action Now

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Verify your wallet today to ensure your funds are secure and free from risk. A small step now can save you from a devastating loss in the future.
Check AML


Meet the contributor

Martha C. White
Martha C. White

Martha C. White is a contributor to Buy Side from WSJ and a finance expert, specializing in banking, loans and credit cards.