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Part 6 of the Catalyst On-Chain Impact Series

When Cardano sought to strengthen community trust and security, the Xerberus Scam Investigation Registry Engine (SIREN) delivered. Funded under Catalyst Fund 11, this initiative introduced one of the first dedicated fraud detection and reporting systems within the ecosystem, providing victims with a transparent, verifiable way to report scams and creating a public registry to deter malicious actors.

SIREN combines off-chain storage via Iagon’s decentralized network with on-chain verification through a mandatory three-ADA proof-of-claim transaction. Each report is cryptographically anchored to Cardano’s ledger, while graph-based tracing links multiple wallets associated with the same fraudulent operation, improving the speed and accuracy of investigations.

While transaction volumes remain modest, SIREN’s qualitative on-chain impact is significant: proof-of-claim transfers embed evidence directly into the blockchain, establishing a permanent, verifiable record of fraudulent activity. The project successfully delivered a working web application, integrated API, and public fraud registry, demonstrating how lightweight on-chain anchors can complement robust off-chain systems.

Key lessons emphasize the importance of balancing usability with verification, the critical role of community transparency, and the potential for cross-chain and institutional integrations to amplify long-term value. Looking forward, SIREN plans to expand reverse-tracking, integrate with exchanges, and seek institutional recognition, reinforcing Cardano’s ecosystem resilience.

As part 6 of the 12-part Catalyst On-Chain Impact Series funded under Project Catalyst grant #1300150, this case study highlights how novel blockchain interactions can support security, accountability, and trust — creating a foundation for community-driven fraud prevention across decentralized networks.

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