Tether, Tron and TRM Financial Crime Unit Has Frozen $450 Million in Illicit Crypto Funds
The T3 Financial Crime Unit, formed by Tether, Tron, and TRM Labs, has frozen over $450 million in illicit digital assets globally since its launch less than two years ago. The unit collaborates with regulatory agencies to combat crypto-related crimes such as drug trafficking, exchange hacks, terrorist financing, North Korea-linked operations, and violent crimes like kidnappings and extortion. As criminal use of digital assets reached a record $158 billion last year, T3 intercepted nearly 44% more illicit proceeds in 2025 compared to the previous year. The unit works alongside law enforcement in 23 jurisdictions, including the US, Brazil, and major European countries, and can freeze assets within 24 hours. Recognized by the Financial Action Task Force for its effectiveness, the unit has supported major investigations, including the freezing of over 3 billion reais in Brazil. Tether’s CEO emphasized the importance of compliance and public-private cooperation to ensure the safety and integrity of digital assets.
