DOJ Seeks $61M Forfeiture of USDT Tied to Iranian Oil Sales
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Article:
US authorities are seeking forfeiture of over $61 million in Tether’s (USDT) stablecoin, alleging its use in sanctioned Iranian oil sales.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) claims Tether froze $61.19 million across 10 Tron addresses in 2025, which prosecutors believe were linked to black-market Iranian oil proceeds intended to fund Iran’s government and military, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
On Monday, the DOJ alleged that Blessed Trust and Hexa Whale, both incorporated in Hong Kong, used Binance accounts to transfer proceeds from oil sales to buyers in China. A network of related addresses allegedly received and distributed $1.5 billion, including transfers to IRGC-linked entities.
A Binance spokesperson stated that the exchange does not permit transactions with sanctioned individuals and will continue cooperating with law enforcement.
This development comes as Washington intensifies financial pressure on Tehran and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East disrupt energy infrastructure and oil shipments. Oil prices rose on Tuesday following attacks on Saudi infrastructure and reduced vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Points:
- DOJ Seizure: Authorities seek forfeiture of over $61 million in USDT.
- Tether Freezes: Approximately $61.19 million USDT was frozen across 10 Tron addresses in 2025.
- Sanctioned Oil Sales: Funds allegedly linked to black-market Iranian oil sales.
- Binance Cooperation: Binance states it did not permit sanctioned transactions and is cooperating with authorities.
- Expanding Sanctions: US expands financial sanctions on Iran, including its digital asset sector.