Chinese Authorities Target USDT-Based Forex Crime Syndicate

The Hanjiang District People’s Court in Putian City recently sentenced 18 individuals for using Tether’s USDT in illegal forex trading and laundering substantial sums.

This crackdown highlights ongoing regulatory challenges for stablecoins, though major cryptocurrencies saw no direct market impact.

Chinese Authorities Seize ¥13.3 Billion in USDT Forex Crackdown

Hanjiang District’s prosecutor pursued action against 18 individuals implicated in a USDT-based illegal forex network. Amounting to ¥13.3 billion, the transactions were primarily routed through USDT and included substantial cash withdrawals for laundering purposes. By leveraging preemptive intervention, penetrating investigations, and technological advancements, the court successfully dismantled this crime network. The network’s disruption demonstrates the potential scale at which underground crypto networks can operate, affecting regional currency flows.

Market changes remain minimal, with Tether (USDT) retaining its stability and no significant impact observed on centralized exchanges or trading volumes. The legal proceedings have, however, re-emphasized the monitoring challenges associated with crypto-derivative foreign exchange transactions within China’s vast financial landscape.

Reactions from government and industry players indicate ongoing advocacies for stringent crypto regulations. Despite intense enforcement actions in China, global USDT markets remain largely unperturbed. Local discussions suggest heightened vigilance, yet no major crypto industry figures have commented on this specific case.

Historical Context, Price Data, and Expert Insights

Did you know? China’s stringent forex regulations historically have led to massive illegal currency exchanges, often leveraging Tether (USDT) due to its price stability and widespread acceptance in crypto markets.

CoinMarketCap reports Tether as maintaining $1.00 with a market cap of around $168.32 billion, showcasing its role as a cryptocurrency mainstay. Recent trading volumes reached $99.04 billion, decreasing by 7.25% over 24 hours, while its price varied marginally, underscoring its stability despite the Putian legal developments.

Insights from the Coincu research team highlight that China’s assertive legal tactics may signal future regulatory enhancements aimed at crypto-derived forex activities. Increased vigilance on illegal networks underscores authorities’ determination to bolster financial regulation without extensively disturbing major digital currencies such as Ethereum or Bitcoin.