Mixing detection on Bitcoin transactions using statistical patterns

Abstract: Cryptocurrencies gained lots of attention mainly because of the anonymous way of online payment, which they suggested. Meanwhile, Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies have experienced severe deanonymization attacks. To address these attacks, Bitcoin contributors introduced services called mixers or tumblers. Mixing or laundry services aim to return anonymity back to the network. In this research, we tackle the problem of losing the footprint of money in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies networks caused by the usage of mixing services. We devise methods to track transactions and addresses of these services and the addresses of dirty and cleaned money. Because of the lack of labeled data, we had to transact with these services and prepare labeled data. Using this data, we found reliable patterns and developed an integrated algorithm to detect mixing transactions, mixing addresses, sender addresses, and receiver addresses in the Bitcoin network.