Crypto Fraud Investigation Workflow

Full-Stack Developer2025
Stable
AdonisJSReactn8nPostgreSQL

This tool was built for a client who investigates suspected fraudulent cryptocurrency transactions. The investigators knew what to look for, but the process of tracing transactions, compiling evidence, and producing formatted reports was manual and repetitive. The tool automates the mechanical parts so investigators focus on analysis.

How it works

Investigation flow
Investigator                    Application                    n8n Pipeline
    │                               │                               │
    ├── creates case ──────────────►│                               │
    ├── submits addresses ─────────►│── triggers workflow ─────────►│
    │                               │                               ├── traces transactions
    │                               │◄── webhook: status update ────┤
    │                               │                               ├── analyzes patterns
    │                               │◄── webhook: status update ────┤
    │                               │                               ├── compiles evidence
    │                               │◄── webhook: document ready ───┤
    │                               │                               │
    ├── views results ◄────────────►│                               │
    └── downloads reports ◄────────►│                               │

The investigator creates a case in the React frontend, submits cryptocurrency addresses, and the backend triggers an n8n workflow. n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that executes visual, step-by-step pipelines.

The pipeline handles transaction tracing, pattern analysis, evidence compilation, and document generation. It calls back to the AdonisJS API via webhooks to update investigation status and deliver generated documents. Status updates stream to the frontend in real time via AdonisJS Transmit (SSE).

Output

The pipeline produces two types of reports:

  • Excel spreadsheets -- structured transaction data and analysis tables for analytical review
  • DOCX documents -- formatted investigation reports for formal use

Key architecture decision

The investigation logic lives in n8n, not in the application code. New analysis steps, data sources, or report format changes can be added by editing the n8n workflow visually -- without touching the AdonisJS backend or the React frontend.

The application handles case management, user access, and document delivery. n8n handles the investigative work. This separation means the pipeline is extensible without deployments.

Other features

  • License acceptance flow before accessing investigations
  • Admin user management with soft deletes and restoration
  • Dashboard with investigation statistics
  • Real-time status updates via SSE

Stack

Backend: AdonisJS 6, PostgreSQL, Vine validation, MJML email templates

Frontend: React (Vite), Tailwind, Zustand, react-markdown, Lucide icons

Automation: n8n with webhook-based integration