# Blockchain forensics preprint reports stronger evidence tracing by AI agents

_Published Monday, October 19, 2026 at 9:52 AM EDT · AI, Science · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

Researchers introduced ABF-Bench, a benchmark for tracing blockchain funds, and reported that their ABF agent harness recovered 75% of transaction links, compared with 47% for Codex using the same model and 10% for Claude Code. Each claimed movement must cite ledger records retrieved by the agent.

The preprint builds tasks from real laundering activity, including exchanges, cross-chain transfers and mixer deposits. The harness recognized undisclosed custodial services at 89%, versus 0% for fixed-order tracers, with 98% fidelity. However, agents stopped early and missed more links on larger tasks, leaving their final recall below the best fixed-order tracer.

## Sources

- [cs.CR updates on arXiv.org](https://arxiv.org/abs/2610.23656)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/5gvF8H_1cz6Snr8ooS-LFa
Published: 2026-10-19T13:52:58.385Z
Story chronology: 2026-10-19T04:00:00.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-10-19T18:28:42.673Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)