> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.webacy.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Mixers & Tumblers

> Learn how crypto mixers and tumblers obscure transaction trails, why interacting with them can flag your wallet, and how compliance tools detect them.

## Overview

**Cryptocurrency mixers** (also called tumblers) are services that blend cryptocurrency from multiple sources to obscure the transaction trail. While they have legitimate privacy uses, they are frequently used to launder stolen funds.

<Warning>
  Interacting with known mixer addresses can result in your own wallet being flagged by exchanges and compliance tools.
</Warning>

## How Mixers Work

1. **Deposit**: User sends crypto to mixer
2. **Pooling**: Funds are combined with others
3. **Redistribution**: Different coins returned to user
4. **Obfuscation**: Original transaction trail is broken

## Types of Mixers

### Centralized Mixers

* Operated by a single entity
* Require trust in the operator
* Examples: Historical services (many now defunct)

### Decentralized Mixers

* Smart contract-based
* No central operator
* Example: Tornado Cash (sanctioned by OFAC)

### Cross-Chain Bridges

* Move funds between blockchains
* Can obscure origin of funds
* Examples: Various bridge protocols

## Detection Indicators

| Tag                     | Severity | Description                            |
| ----------------------- | -------- | -------------------------------------- |
| `mixer`                 | High     | Address associated with mixing service |
| `associated_mixer`      | Medium   | Has transacted with known mixers       |
| `tornado`               | High     | Tornado Cash interaction detected      |
| `associated_tornado`    | Medium   | Connected to Tornado Cash users        |
| `fixedfloat`            | Medium   | FixedFloat service usage detected      |
| `simpleswap`            | Medium   | SimpleSwap service usage detected      |
| `minter-fundflow-mixer` | High     | Token minter fund flow involves mixers |

## Regulatory Context

* **OFAC Sanctions**: Tornado Cash was sanctioned in August 2022
* **Exchange Compliance**: Most exchanges block mixer-associated funds
* **Legal Risk**: Using mixers with illicit funds is money laundering

## API Example

```bash theme={null}
curl -X GET "https://api.webacy.com/addresses/0x123...?chain=eth" \
  -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY"
```

Response indicating mixer association:

```json theme={null}
{
  "overallRisk": 85.0,
  "issues": [
    {
      "tag": "associated_mixer",
      "severity": "medium",
      "description": "Address has transacted with known mixer services"
    }
  ]
}
```

## Risk Assessment

When evaluating mixer-associated addresses:

1. **Direct usage**: Highest risk - address directly used mixer
2. **One hop away**: High risk - received funds from mixer user
3. **Two+ hops**: Lower but still flagged - contaminated funds
4. **Timing**: Recent mixer use is higher risk than historical