Why should the complete payment chain be identified?¶

The first transfer may be only one stage. Mapping the complete chain identifies evidence holders, onward movement and possible control or benefit without mistaking an intermediary for the destination.

Each stage creates different records¶

Funds can pass through banks, processors, merchant accounts, exchanges, wallets, gift cards or mule accounts, and may be split, converted, refunded or reversed. Banks hold transfer and authentication data; processors hold checkout records; exchanges may record internal movements; blockchains show public transfers but not all custodial activity.

Build a factual route¶

Start with exact identifiers and follow every confirmed transfer, preserving provider-specific times and statuses. Mark gaps and inferred links rather than drawing an unqualified flow. Repeated destinations, rapid onward movement and shared funding can emerge only across stages.

Movement and personal attribution remain separate: a clear route does not automatically identify its human controller or ultimate beneficiary.