By SanctionsAI team · Updated 2026-08-09
How to screen cryptocurrency transactions for sanctions
Crypto sanctions screening is different from name screening: you screen wallet addresses, not names.
The three screening layers
| Layer | What to screen | When |
|---|
| Wallet address | Sending/receiving wallet vs OFAC SDN | Every transaction, real-time |
| Transaction history | Past interactions with designated addresses | At onboarding, periodic |
| Behavioral patterns | Mixer interaction, bridge usage | Ongoing monitoring |
Step-by-step process
Step 1: Extract sender wallet address. Step 2: Call GET /sanctions?wallet=0x.... Step 3: If blocked=true, reject payment and log. Step 4: Check transaction history for mixer/bridge interaction. Step 5: Record screening result with timestamp.
Critical: OFAC sanctions are strict liability. Accepting a payment from a designated wallet is a violation even without knowledge. Real-time screening is mandatory.
Screen your agent's next payment
Check any wallet, name, or entity against OFAC, EU, UN sanctions lists in real time.
Free wallet checkerFrequently Asked Questions
- How do I screen a crypto wallet?
- Use GET /sanctions?wallet=0x... or the free checker at /tools/wallet-checker.
- What addresses should I screen?
- All OFAC SDN crypto addresses: designated mixers, VASPs, individuals, entities.
- Should I screen transaction history?
- For high-value or high-risk transactions, yes. Check for mixer/bridge interaction.
- Is accepting crypto from a designated wallet a violation?
- Yes. OFAC is strict liability. Real-time screening before acceptance is mandatory.
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