Tether Freezes $550M USDT Linked to Iran, Cooperates with Global Law Enforcement

Tether has reaffirmed its cooperation with law enforcement agencies as authorities expand efforts to disrupt sanctions-evasion networks linked to Iran. The company highlighted actions involving USDT during 2026, resulting in approximately $550 million in assets being frozen across wallets identified by U.S. authorities as connected to Iran's Central Bank and related sanctions networks.

The freezes stem from multiple actions carried out in coordination with law enforcement agencies, including a significant portion taken earlier this year. In April 2026, Tether assisted in freezing more than $344 million in USDT held across two addresses after receiving information from OFAC and U.S. law enforcement. The following day, those addresses were formally added by OFAC as digital currency identifiers associated with the Central Bank of Iran.

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino emphasized that public blockchains provide authorities with visibility into fund movements and enable action when credible information is supplied by investigators. The company has worked with over 340 law enforcement agencies across 67 countries, supporting more than 2,800 investigations globally, including over 1,500 involving U.S. authorities.