US Probes Whether Binance 'Knowingly' Let Iran-Linked Trades Through: Report
U.S. federal prosecutors are investigating whether Binance violated Iran sanctions by allowing certain trading on its platform. The Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office is leading the inquiry, with the Justice Department’s criminal division involved, and investigators are examining whether Binance knowingly permitted the activity. The probe may end without charges. Binance said it has a zero-tolerance policy for sanctions violations and cooperates with law enforcement. The company previously pleaded guilty to U.S. banking and sanctions violations, paid $4.3 billion, and accepted corporate monitors; co-founder Changpeng Zhao later stepped down and served prison time. The investigation follows reports that internal compliance issues may have involved Iran-linked funds, which Binance disputed, saying only limited amounts reached Iran-linked wallets after multiple hops and that no employees were punished for raising concerns. Separately, Manhattan prosecutors recently sought forfeiture of $61 million tied to alleged Iranian oil-sale proceeds laundered through Binance, though Binance was not accused in that case.
