AML screening is a standard procedure for any responsible exchange service. It helps avoid accepting funds linked to fraud, hacks or sanctions, and protects ordinary users from “dirty” crypto. Here is how screening works at Brothers Exchange, when an order may be put on hold, and what to do if that happens.

What AML, KYT and KYC mean

AML (Anti-Money Laundering) — measures against money laundering and the financing of illegal activity.
KYT (Know Your Transaction) — checking a specific transaction: where the funds came from and which addresses they are linked to.
KYC (Know Your Customer) — identifying the customer using documents.

The main tool at Brothers Exchange is KYT: we check the transaction, not the person. Identity verification is not carried out by default.

How the check works

Every incoming crypto transaction is automatically screened on arrival through the AmlBot service. It analyses the history of the funds on the blockchain and assesses the risk: whether the coins are linked to darknet markets, mixers, fraud, ransomware, stolen funds or sanctioned services.

For the check, AmlBot receives only wallet addresses and transaction hashes — no personal data.

When an order may be put on hold

the overall risk score of the transaction exceeds 60%;
the share of funds from high-risk categories — such as Dark Market, Illegal Service or Sanctions — exceeds 15%;
a direct link is found to darknet markets, mixers, fraud, ransomware, stolen funds or sanctioned services.

What happens after an order is put on hold

Within 24 hours, the service emails you the reason for the hold and a list of the information requested.
You provide the information within 30 days. Most often this means explaining the source of the funds: where they came from and the deposit and withdrawal history on the platform you sent them from. An identity document and a photo of you holding it are requested only to the extent needed to assess the identified risk.
The service reviews the information within no more than 5 business days and updates you on the progress of the check at least once every 3 days.
If the risk is not confirmed, the order is executed. Execution at a rate different from the order rate is possible only with your explicit consent.
If the risk is confirmed, the order is declined and the funds are refunded, minus only the actual network fee for sending the refund.

Funds may be held beyond these periods only on the basis of an official order from an authorised state body. Customer funds are never appropriated by the service.

Why “clean” crypto can get a high risk score

Most often you have done nothing wrong — the coins simply have a long history. If USDT once passed through a wallet linked to fraud, part of that risk is “inherited” by subsequent owners. Simple habits reduce the chance of problems:

buy crypto on well-known platforms and from trusted counterparties;
do not accept transfers from strangers or agree to “pass” someone else's funds through your wallet;
do not use mixers or services that promise to “anonymise” funds;
if in doubt, check incoming funds with an AML service before sending them on.

Our payouts are checked too

AML control works both ways. Brothers Exchange pays out crypto only from addresses that are not classified as high-risk in the databases of AML analysers, and takes responsibility for the quality and legitimacy of the assets it pays out.

Who the service does not serve

The service does not serve individuals and organisations on the UN, EU or OFAC sanctions lists, or residents of high-risk jurisdictions subject to an FATF call for action — North Korea, Iran and Myanmar. In addition, the sender and the recipient of funds under an order must be the same person: transfers in favour of third parties are prohibited.

What happens to your data

Information and documents obtained during a check are transmitted over a secure connection, are accessible only to authorised employees and are not shared with third parties. The only exception is an official request from an authorised state body made in the manner prescribed by law.

Summary

AML screening is not distrust of the customer but protection for everyone involved in the exchange. In most cases it runs automatically and unnoticed. If your order is put on hold, you will receive an explanation and a clear procedure with specific deadlines. The full terms are in the AML / KYT / KYC Policy.

Crypto AML Screening: What It Is and Why an Order May Be Put on Hold