Built a free AML checker for crypto wallets -- here's why

A few months ago I kept hearing the same story: someone gets paid in USDT, and only later finds out the address was tied to a sanctioned entity or a mixer. By then it's too late -- exchanges freeze the funds and the person has no idea why.

That's the gap CryptoAML.ai tries to close. It's a Telegram bot, @cryptoamlscan_bot, plus a small site at https://cryptoaml.ai where you paste any wallet address and get an instant risk read: OFAC/UN/UK sanctions lists, darknet market ties, mixer/tumbler exposure. 20 checks a day are free, no signup, no card required.

The paid layer ($0.99-$2.99 per deep report, $29/mo for API access) is for people who need more than a yes/no -- fuller on-chain context, exportable reports, or programmatic checks for their own product.

Compliance tooling in crypto is usually built for institutions with six-figure budgets. I wanted the same core check -- "is this address dirty before I accept it" -- available to a freelancer getting paid in USDT, a small OTC desk, or another indie hacker wiring up a payment flow.

Still early days. Main focus right now is broadening coverage (more lists, more chains) and figuring out the right self-serve path from the free bot to paid reports. Curious how other builders here think about pricing something that's fundamentally a "peace of mind" check.