T3 Financial Crime Unit Freezes $300M, Bolstering Crypto Crime Fight

The T3 Financial Crime Unit (T3 FCU), a strategic partnership between Tether, TRON, and TRM Labs, has successfully frozen over $300 million in illicit assets, a significant milestone in the global fight against cryptocurrency-related crime, according to tether.io. Launched in September 2024, T3 FCU has become a model for international cooperation in blockchain security, working closely with law enforcement agencies worldwide to tackle financial crimes.

Global Impact and Recognition

In a recent highlight, the T3 FCU was acknowledged by the Brazilian Federal Police for its critical role in Operation Lusocoin, a major crackdown on money laundering involving crypto assets. This operation alone led to the freezing of assets worth over R$3 billion, including 4.3 million USDT, showcasing the power of cross-border collaboration between exchanges, analytics firms, and law enforcement agencies.

Wide-Reaching Jurisdictional Support

Over its first year, T3 FCU has supported law enforcement efforts across 23 jurisdictions, including major cases in the United States, Spain, Germany, and Brazil. The unit’s investigations have primarily focused on illicit goods, fraud, and hacks, including a notable $19 million case linked to the DPRK. This broad engagement underscores the growing need for international collaboration to combat emerging threats in the crypto space.

Leadership and Vision

Leading figures in the initiative emphasize the importance of such collaborations. Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, stated, “Reaching the USD 300 million milestone demonstrates the real-world impact of blockchain technology in combating financial crime.” Justin Sun, Founder of TRON, added, “The T3 Financial Crime Unit’s USD 300 million milestone is proof that progress happens when technology, institutions, and people work together.”

Future Collaborations and Initiatives

The T3 FCU continues to engage with global law enforcement, including Europol, to tackle various financial crimes. In August 2025, the T3+ Global Collaborator Program was initiated to further enhance public-private partnerships, with Binance joining as the first official member. This move aims to bolster cross-border efforts and information sharing to prevent financial crime effectively.

Conference Participation and Dialogue

Recently, T3 FCU members participated in the 9th Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptocurrencies in Vienna, fostering dialogue on strengthening collective actions against illicit finance. The discussions highlighted how the T3 FCU model serves as an effective framework for deeper collaboration between public and private stakeholders, enhancing global financial integrity.

With a commitment to transparency and security, the T3 Financial Crime Unit continues to set a precedent in the fight against crypto-related crime, reinforcing the importance of coordinated efforts in maintaining the integrity of the financial ecosystem.

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