US Expands Sanctions on Iran's Digital Asset Infrastructure

US authorities have expanded sanctions against Iran's digital asset infrastructure after identifying $16.8 million in cryptocurrency transactions linked to the Mabna Institute.

The funds were moved across 30 wallets, with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and TRON being the primary assets used.

TRM Labs found that only 1% of the total amount remains in the wallets, suggesting that the majority of the funds have been laundered or withdrawn. The Mabna Institute is accused of conducting cyber intrusions on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other Iranian entities.

The US Treasury has designated digital assets as a sanctionable sector, giving authorities broader authority to target both Iranian and non-Iranian entities involved in relevant activity.