Tether, TRON join TRM Labs to seize $300m in illicit crypto via T3 unit

The T3 Financial Crime Unit has frozen more than $300 million in criminal assets globally since its launch in September 2024.

The joint initiative from Tether, TRON, and TRM Labs works directly with law enforcement agencies worldwide to detect, trace, and disrupt criminal networks using cryptocurrencies.

The unit’s investigations have supported dozens of operations across multiple jurisdictions and targets crimes including money laundering, investment fraud, terrorism financing, and organized crime.

The Brazilian Federal Police formally recognized T3 FCU this month for its assistance in Operation Lusocoin, which froze over R$3 billion in assets, including 4.3 million USDT tied to criminal groups.

T3 FCU supports cases across 23 jurisdictions

In just one year, T3 FCU has worked with law enforcement agencies across 23 jurisdictions spanning every continent except Africa. The U.S. recorded the largest volume of assistance at $83 million across 37 cases, accounting for 27% of total volume.

Brazil followed with over $13 million frozen across seven cases. Other major jurisdictions include Spain, Germany, Albania, Bulgaria, Finland, Australia, Poland, and the United Kingdom.

The most common crime types investigated were:

• Illicit goods and services (39%)
• Fraud and scams
• Hacks and exploits
• Cases linked to North Korea ($19M for the Bybit hack alone)
• Crimes involving banned or controlled substances
• Terrorist financing and violent crimes

“Reaching the USD 300 million milestone demonstrates the real-world impact of blockchain technology in combating financial crime,” said Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino. The company collaborates with over 280 law enforcement agencies globally.

Binance joins expanded T3+ program

In August, the T3+ Global Collaborator Program was established to expand public-private cooperation against illicit blockchain activities. Binance joined as the program’s first official member.

On October 28-29, T3 FCU and T3+ members participated in the 9th Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptocurrencies in Vienna. The event was co-organized by Europol and the Basel Institute on Governance.

Representatives from TRON DAO, Tether, Binance, TRM Labs, and Europol discussed how the T3 FCU model can serve as a framework for deeper collaboration between public and private stakeholders.