In a remarkable development within the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency regulation, the T3 Financial Crime Unit (T3 FCU)—a collaborative effort between Tether, TRON, and TRM Labs—has achieved a significant milestone by freezing over $300 million in criminal assets around the world. This initiative showcases not just the power of blockchain technology but also the strength of global partnerships aimed at tackling financial crime in the digital era.
T3 Financial Crime Unit Surpasses $300 Million in Frozen Assets, Strengthening Global Efforts Against Crypto-Related Crime. Learn more: https://t.co/JTfoEEPR7f — Tether (@Tether_to) October 31, 2025
Since its inception in September 2024, the T3 FCU has rapidly emerged as a pioneering model of public-private collaboration in blockchain security. By joining forces with law enforcement agencies across the globe, it has effectively disrupted a range of illicit financial activities involving cryptocurrency.
This achievement is more than just a statistic; it’s a testament to an extensive year-long effort that saw T3 FCU actively participating in operations targeting serious crimes such as money laundering, investment fraud, terrorism financing, and organized crime. A standout moment came from Operation Lusocoin, where Brazilian federal authorities unraveled a substantial money laundering and currency evasion scheme linked to crypto assets. This operation led to the freezing of over R$3 billion in assets, including 4.3 million USDT associated with the criminal network, resulting in commendations for T3 FCU from Brazilian officials.
With its global reach now spanning 23 jurisdictions—including the United States (with a staggering $83 million in assets frozen), Spain, Germany, Brazil, and beyond—T3 FCU is clearly making waves. The unit’s investigations have spotlighted various common crime typologies, including illicit goods and services (39%), fraud and scams, hacks, and even cyber activities involving North Korea, such as the notorious Bybit hack where $19 million was lost. Alarmingly, there’s been a surge in “wrench attacks”—violent incidents tied to crypto holdings that further emphasize the pressing need for rapid, coordinated responses worldwide.
But why does this matter? In a landscape where cryptocurrency’s rise is both empowering and challenging, maintaining the integrity of the financial system is crucial. Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, shares this sentiment: “Reaching the $300 million milestone demonstrates the real-world impact of blockchain technology in combating financial crime.” He further asserts the importance of collaboration with over 280 law enforcement agencies globally, highlighting a united front against threats to financial integrity.
Adding to this narrative, Justin Sun, the Founder of TRON, remarks, “Blockchain technology has the power to protect as much as it empowers. The T3 FCU’s milestone is proof that when technology, institutions, and people work together, progress follows.” Esteban Castaño, Co-Founder and CEO of TRM Labs, echoes this sentiment, stating that public-private collaboration isn’t merely important—it’s essential for real progress. “Investigators and platforms working from the same map in real time is vital for effective action,” he notes.
Looking ahead, the T3 FCU is eager to expand its impact further. In August 2025, they launched the T3+ Global Collaborator Program, welcoming Binance as its first official member. This program is designed to enhance cross-border information sharing and coordination among global enforcement agencies. Recently, members of T3 FCU participated in the 9th Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptocurrencies in Vienna, co-hosted by Europol and the Basel Institute on Governance. During a critical session titled “Public-Private Collaboration in Cryptoasset Seizure,” representatives from TRON DAO, Tether, Binance, TRM Labs, and Europol convened to discuss strategies aimed at strengthening cooperation and protecting global financial systems.
As we navigate this new frontier of digital finance, the proactive steps taken by the T3 FCU embody a collaborative spirit that is essential for thwarting the evolving tactics of financial criminals. It signifies a future where regulatory frameworks can adapt and respond to challenges posed by the cryptocurrency landscape. Engaging in this dialogue is more crucial than ever, as the fight against crypto-related crime will undoubtedly shape the industry’s trajectory in the years to come.
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