BLOCKCHAIN BASED CHAIN OF CUSTODY FOR EVIDENCE

Forensic evidence management requires a secure and reliable chain-of-custody to maintain integrity, authenticity, and legal admissibility. Traditional systems based on manual records or centralized databases are vulnerable to tampering, data loss, and lack of transparency. To address these challenges, this project proposes a blockchain-based chain-of-custody system that ensures secure, transparent, and tamper-resistant evidence tracking. The proposed system adopts a hybrid architecture by integrating Hyperledger Fabric blockchain and Inter Planetary File System (IPFS). Evidence data such as images and files are securely stored in IPFS, generating unique content identifiers (CIDs), while the corresponding metadata and custody records are immutably recorded on the blockchain. This separation enhances scalability and ensures data integrity. Additionally, the system incorporates role-based access control, structured custody transfer workflows, and proof-of-condition verification to improve accountability. Inspired by modern decentralized platforms, the system leverages cryptographic hashing, digital signatures, and secure data handling techniques to guarantee non-repudiation and auditability. The implementation demonstrates that combining blockchain with decentralized storage provides a robust solution for forensic evidence management by eliminating single points of failure and ensuring trustworthy record-keeping. Overall, the proposed system enhances security, transparency, and efficiency in handling forensic evidence, making it highly suitable for law enforcement and legal applications.