Tether Takes Swift Action: Freezes 41 Crypto Wallets Tied to Sanctions and Illicit Activities

By James Pebenito • December 11, 2023

Tether Takes Swift Action: Freezes 41 Crypto Wallets Tied to Sanctions and Illicit Activities

As part of its ongoing effort to guarantee the ethical application of stablecoin technology, Tether has firmly acted, suspending 41 cryptocurrency wallets linked to illegal activity and sanctions. This action is a component of Tether’s continuous endeavors to enhance the constructive application of stablecoins and cultivate a more secure ecosystem for users.

According to a study of on-chain data, a number of the frozen wallets had used the coin-mixing service Tornado Cash within the previous six months. The decision of Tether to freeze these wallets is consistent with its dedication to compliance and responsible use.

According to reports, one of the wallets that has been placed under freeze is connected to the $625 million Ronin Bridge hack. The Lazarus Group, a North Korean hacker collective, is the source of this cyberattack, according to the US Treasury Department. To reduce risks and improve the stability of the stablecoin ecosystem, Tether is taking action against wallets linked to illegal activity.

The CEO of Tether emphasizes bolstering positive usage

The CEO of Tether, Paolo Ardoino, stressed the value of voluntary wallet address freezing as a preventative precaution. This update covers both newly added addresses and those that were already added to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List. The goal of this strategic approach is to encourage the safe and beneficial application of stablecoin technology.

According to Arduino, “By executing voluntary wallet address freezing of new additions to the SDN List and freezing previously added addresses, we will be able to further strengthen the positive usage of stablecoin technology and promote a safer stablecoin ecosystem for all users.”

Prior Interventions Concerning Illicit Wallets

This latest step comes after Tether blocked 32 wallets connected to terrorist and military operations in Israel and Ukraine in October. In addition, Tether responded to an inquiry by the US Department of Justice last month by freezing $225 million connected to a human trafficking organization.

Tether’s dedication to security and regulatory compliance highlights its role in creating a law-abiding, safe environment for cryptocurrencies. Tether wants to help the stablecoin ecosystem grow by actively addressing wallets connected to cyberattacks, sanctions, and illegal activity.

To sum up, Tether’s recent decision to freeze 41 cryptocurrency wallets demonstrates its commitment to ethical usage and legal compliance. Such precautions are necessary to guarantee the integrity and security of stablecoin technology as the cryptocurrency market develops.

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