Frequently Asked Questions

General

What does Praefortis do?
Praefortis specializes in recovering digital assets from cryptocurrency wallets, including hardware wallets such as Trezor, Ledger, and others. We work with lawyers, law enforcement, probate courts, and individuals to recover inaccessible funds while maintaining strict legal compliance and the highest standards of security.

Who runs Praefortis?
Praefortis is led by Wesley Brandi, a computer scientist with over two decades of experience working with attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and Fortune 500 companies. Wesley is recognized internationally for his expertise in crypto wallet recovery and has served as a confidential informant, expert witness, and technical consultant on highly sensitive cases.

Are you able to recover wallets without the PIN or recovery phrase?
Yes. In many cases, including encrypted Trezor wallets on the latest firmware, Praefortis can perform advanced hardware attacks to recover funds even without a PIN or backup seed phrase. This requires highly specialized skills and equipment that only a handful of experts worldwide possess.

Is Praefortis US-based?
Yes. Praefortis is headquartered in the United States and operates under US law. We are registered with the US Department of the Treasury as a money services business for compliance purposes.

Does Praefortis follow OFAC guidance?
Yes. We adhere strictly to all US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations and ensure no recovery work is conducted in violation of US sanctions or trade restrictions.

Does Praefortis have strong KYC/AML practices?
Yes. We follow robust Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures to verify client identity, prevent illicit activity, and ensure compliance with applicable US and international regulations.

For Probate Lawyers & Estate Professionals

How do you work with probate lawyers?
We frequently work with probate attorneys to inventory, verify, and if necessary recover cryptocurrency assets from the decedent’s wallets. We can provide chain-of-custody documentation, expert testimony, and secure transfer procedures to ensure compliance with court orders.

Can you confirm the balance without moving the funds?
Yes. We can securely access the wallet to confirm its contents without initiating any transactions, making it possible to prepare an accurate probate inventory.

What if we don’t have the PIN or recovery phrase?
In many cases, we can still recover the funds using advanced hardware recovery techniques. Our process is secure, legally compliant, and fully documented for court use.

Will you testify in court?
Yes. Wesley Brandi has experience appearing before grand juries and providing expert witness testimony. We can explain our methods in a way that judges and juries understand without exposing sensitive trade secrets.

Do you maintain chain-of-custody records?
Absolutely. All hardware, evidence, and recovery attempts are meticulously logged to preserve evidentiary integrity.

Can Praefortis assist with liquidating recovered crypto for an estate?
Yes. While Praefortis does not act as a broker, we guide executors and attorneys through the process of safely converting cryptocurrency to fiat. This includes advising on secure wallet transfers, recommending reputable exchanges, and ensuring the liquidation process complies with probate and tax regulations.

Can you help avoid common mistakes when selling estate-held cryptocurrency?
Yes. We help prevent costly errors such as using insecure exchanges, exposing private keys, or triggering unnecessary tax liabilities. Our experience ensures the assets are sold through trusted channels with minimal risk.

For Executors, Administrators & Family Members

I found a hardware wallet, what should I do first?
Do not plug it in or guess passwords. Mishandling the wallet could trigger security features that erase data. Contact us immediately for guidance.

Can you help if I have no PIN or recovery phrase?
Yes. Many wallets can be recovered through advanced hardware techniques, even without credentials.

Can you check if the wallet has funds before recovery?
Often, yes. We can sometimes perform a non-invasive check to see if assets are likely present.

How long does recovery take?
It varies: hours for simple cases, days to weeks for complex hardware attacks.

What happens to recovered funds?
They are transferred directly to a wallet under the executor or attorney’s control. We never take custody of client funds.

Can Praefortis help me sell the recovered cryptocurrency?
Yes. We can walk you through the process of safely liquidating crypto, from transferring assets to a secure exchange to converting them into cash for estate distribution. We ensure every step is legally compliant and documented for probate records.

Will you recommend trusted exchanges for liquidation?
Yes. We maintain a vetted list of reputable exchanges and OTC (over-the-counter) trading partners to ensure secure transactions with minimal risk of fraud or account freezes.

Security & Confidentiality

Is the recovery process safe?
Yes. We use non-destructive methods whenever possible, and invasive work is performed in a controlled, forensic environment.

How do you protect privacy?
We keep all client details strictly confidential and treat every case with the same discretion as those involving millions of dollars.

Have you ever lost a wallet?
No. We have a 100% track record of safely returning recovered assets to the rightful owner.

Costs & Process

How much does recovery cost?
Fees depend on the wallet type, complexity, and urgency. We offer fixed-fee retainers and hourly rates for legal cases.

What is your recovery process?

1. Initial Consultation: We review the situation and requirements.

2. Evidence Handling: The wallet is shipped or delivered under chain-of-custody agreement. In some cases we can fly to where the wallet is physically located.

3. Recovery: We perform forensic and hardware work to access the assets.

4. Return of Assets: Funds are transferred securely to your designated wallet.

5. Optional Liquidation Guidance: We assist in safely selling the crypto and converting it to fiat for the estate.

6. Final Documentation: We provide a detailed report for legal or personal records.