US seeks $61M in USDT allegedly tied to sanctioned Iranian oil sales
The US Department of Justice is seeking forfeiture of more than $61 million in USDT, alleging the funds came from black-market sales of sanctioned Iranian oil and were meant to support Iran’s government and military, including the IRGC. The complaint says Hong Kong-based Blessed Trust and Hexa Whale used Binance accounts to move oil-sale proceeds from buyers in China, with related addresses allegedly handling more than $1.5 billion and sending money to IRGC-linked transfer businesses, crypto wallets, and an Iranian exchange. Tether reportedly froze about 61.19 million USDT across 10 Tron addresses, and the FBI could take custody if a court approves forfeiture. Binance said it was not accused of wrongdoing and would keep cooperating with law enforcement. The case fits a broader US push to tighten sanctions on Iran’s crypto sector amid ongoing Middle East conflict and higher oil prices.
