# Money Laundering Related Articles

HTX News Center provides the latest articles and in-depth analysis on "Money Laundering", covering market trends, project updates, tech developments, and regulatory policies in the crypto industry.

Assisting Turkey in Freezing $1 Billion in Assets, Tether's Compliance Approach Has Changed

On January 30, Turkish authorities froze assets worth over $500 million belonging to Veysel Sahin, who is accused of operating an illegal gambling platform and money laundering. Tether Holdings SA, the issuer of the $185 billion stablecoin USDT, assisted in the freeze at the request of the Turkish government. This action is part of a broader Turkish operation that has frozen over $1 billion in assets. Tether has increasingly collaborated with global law enforcement agencies to combat cryptocurrency-related crimes, including money laundering, drug trafficking, and sanctions evasion. According to Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino, the company follows legal procedures when working with authorities such as the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI. Analysis by Elliptic shows that Tether and its competitor Circle have blacklisted around 5,700 wallets holding approximately $2.5 billion in assets, with three-quarters of these containing USDT. Tether claims to have assisted in over 1,800 cases across 62 countries, freezing $3.4 billion in USDT tied to illicit activities. This marks a shift from Tether’s earlier tensions with U.S. regulators, including a 2021 settlement over misrepresenting reserves. The company has recently re-entered the U.S. market with a compliant stablecoin, USAT, and has gained regulatory acceptance under the Trump administration. Despite these efforts, USDT remains under scrutiny for its use in criminal activities, including a recent case involving $1 billion in money laundering and reports of Iran’s central bank using USDT to evade sanctions.

marsbit02/09 12:18

Assisting Turkey in Freezing $1 Billion in Assets, Tether's Compliance Approach Has Changed

marsbit02/09 12:18

Crypto Stablecoin Law Faces Pushback As New York Prosecutors Target Tether, Circle

New York Attorney General Letitia James, along with four district attorneys, is pushing back against the newly enacted GENIUS Act, the first major U.S. stablecoin law. They argue the law fails to protect victims of financial crimes, as it does not require stablecoin issuers to return stolen funds. This omission, they warn, could embolden companies to retain stolen assets. The prosecutors specifically criticized the two largest issuers, Tether and Circle. They allege Tether inconsistently freezes funds and primarily cooperates only with federal law enforcement. They claim Circle’s policies are “significantly worse,” alleging it often retains control of frozen assets to continue earning interest, creating a financial incentive to delay returning funds. Both companies rejected the allegations, asserting their commitment to combating illicit activity.

bitcoinist02/04 08:05

Crypto Stablecoin Law Faces Pushback As New York Prosecutors Target Tether, Circle

bitcoinist02/04 08:05

When Notices Become Law: What Does the Draft Network Crime Prevention Law Mean for the Crypto World?

The draft "Cyber Crime Prevention Law" released by Chinese authorities on January 31, 2026, marks a significant shift from previous regulatory notices to formal legislation, fundamentally altering the legal landscape for cryptocurrency activities in China. Unlike earlier policies focused on financial risks, this law adopts a criminal governance approach, specifically targeting three core areas: OTC transactions, technical development, and public node operations. Key provisions include Article 26, which redefines "knowledge" in OTC trading, making it easier to prosecute those involved in transferring illicit funds using virtual currencies. Articles 19 and 31 extend liability to those providing technical support, such as developers or promoters, with Article 2 asserting extraterritorial jurisdiction over overseas entities serving Chinese users. Additionally, Article 40 requires blockchain nodes to monitor and block illegal activities, challenging the feasibility of permissionless networks. Legal experts note that while penalties may start with fines, severe cases could lead to criminal charges. The law reflects a broader trend from administrative bans to criminal regulation, emphasizing compliance through strict KYC, AML controls, and geo-blocking for Chinese users. For the crypto industry, this law establishes compliance as a critical survival threshold rather than an optional measure.

marsbit02/03 11:54

When Notices Become Law: What Does the Draft Network Crime Prevention Law Mean for the Crypto World?

marsbit02/03 11:54

After Privacy Coins Surge, Does It Mean a Bear Market Is Coming?

The article explores the sharp rise in privacy coins like ZEC and XMR as a potential signal of an impending bear market in the crypto cycle. Historically, privacy tokens tend to surge when other narratives—such as DeFi or NFTs—lose momentum, often marking a final speculative push before a downturn. In 2017, coins like ZEC and XMR gained attention as "better Bitcoin" alternatives, fueled by technological appeal and hype. By late 2021 and early 2022, privacy projects like Aleo attracted massive investments, though they ultimately failed to deliver practical, mainstream adoption. The recent surge in late 2025, with ZEC rising 20x in three months, lacked clear catalysts but may reflect growing unease with increasing regulatory scrutiny and reduced financial privacy in crypto. While figures like Arthur Hayes and firms like a16z promoted "privacy-as-a-service," the author suggests this may have been a tactic to facilitate sell-offs rather than genuine growth. The piece argues that extreme privacy features—such as Monero’s fully anonymous transactions—often cater to illicit use cases rather than mainstream needs, making them a target for regulators and exchanges. Most users and regulators seek balanced privacy—protection without complete anonymity—which current privacy tokens fail to provide. Without addressing real-world utility and acceptable levels of privacy, these coins may remain the last resort in cyclical market pumps, often leaving investors at a loss.

marsbit01/31 08:05

After Privacy Coins Surge, Does It Mean a Bear Market Is Coming?

marsbit01/31 08:05

Inside the Helix Bust: US DOJ Takes Control of $400 Million Linked to Darknet Crypto Crimes

The U.S. Department of Justice has seized over $400 million in assets linked to Helix, a major Bitcoin mixing service used by darknet criminals. The assets include cryptocurrencies, real estate, and funds forfeited by Larry Dean Harmon, the Ohio-based founder of Helix, who pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and was sentenced to 36 months in prison. Operating from 2014 to 2017, Helix processed over 354,000 Bitcoin (worth approximately $311 million at the time) to obscure transactions for darknet market vendors involved in narcotics, fraud, and other illegal activities. The case, finalized in January 2026, highlights advancements in blockchain tracing and international cooperation in combating crypto-enabled crime networks.

ccn.com01/30 09:36

Inside the Helix Bust: US DOJ Takes Control of $400 Million Linked to Darknet Crypto Crimes

ccn.com01/30 09:36

Illicit Crypto Flows Shift Away From Centralized Exchanges

According to new research from Chainalysis, illicit crypto flows are increasingly shifting away from centralized exchanges due to improved compliance measures. Criminals are now fragmenting transactions and using decentralized tools such as DEXs, cross-chain bridges, and mixers to obscure fund movements. This complicates tracking and delays intervention. In response, analytics firms are enhancing behavioral analysis, focusing on wallet clusters and DeFi interactions. Law enforcement and regulators are also improving collaboration and standardization. Despite these challenges, the inherent transparency of blockchains continues to aid investigations. The ongoing evolution in both money laundering tactics and compliance technologies fuels a continuous arms race in the crypto industry.

TheNewsCrypto01/28 11:17

Illicit Crypto Flows Shift Away From Centralized Exchanges

TheNewsCrypto01/28 11:17

Russian Lawmakers Advance Bill For Crypto Seizures In New Regulatory Push

Russian lawmakers have advanced a bill to formally allow the seizure of crypto assets in criminal proceedings, addressing a legal vacuum that has complicated investigations. The legislation, recommended for adoption in its third reading, aims to recognize digital assets as property under the Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure. It grants authorities the power to seize crypto by controlling physical devices or transferring assets to a secure address, and introduces mechanisms for freezing digital currency. The bill is designed to combat money laundering, corruption, and terrorist financing. This move complements Russia’s upcoming crypto regulatory framework, set to take effect by July, which will allow retail and qualified investors to purchase digital assets through licensed platforms.

bitcoinist01/28 11:02

Russian Lawmakers Advance Bill For Crypto Seizures In New Regulatory Push

bitcoinist01/28 11:02

The Gray Business of 'Cash for Crypto': How Part-Time Jobs Become Money Laundering Channels for Black Market

This article exposes a growing gray market scheme in China, particularly in Guangdong and Shenzhen, where seemingly legitimate part-time jobs are being used as a front for money laundering operations. Criminals recruit often highly educated but risk-unaware young people through platforms like Xianyu, offering "cash for crypto" or "offline crypto exchange" gigs. The task involves receiving RMB in one's personal bank account, converting it to Hong Kong dollars, and then purchasing stablecoins like USDT at designated Hong Kong OTC crypto shops to transfer to specified wallets. Lawyers Deng Xiaoyu and Huang Wenjing from Mankun Law Firm explain that participants unknowingly become a key "human courier" link in money laundering chains, moving illicit funds from crimes like telecom fraud. Once the funds are identified as illegal, participants face frozen bank and social payment accounts, severe disruption to their lives, and potential criminal charges for offenses like money laundering or assisting information network crimes. The OTC shops in Hong Kong are targeted due to regulatory gaps, the anonymity of cash transactions, and the complex financial environment that helps obscure fund trails. The article warns the public to avoid any兼职 (part-time work) involving handling money, account operations, or crypto exchanges for others, as these are almost certainly illicit. Key red flags include being asked to provide personal bank cards, withdraw cash, convert cash to crypto, or being assured the activity is "legal in Hong Kong." The core advice is to reject any offer that uses an individual as a "funds channel."

比推01/27 06:44

The Gray Business of 'Cash for Crypto': How Part-Time Jobs Become Money Laundering Channels for Black Market

比推01/27 06:44

International Crypto Crime Ring Exposed: South Korea Uncovers $100 Million Laundering Scheme

South Korean authorities have uncovered a major international crypto crime ring, involving three Chinese nationals, that laundered approximately $101.7 million (150 billion won) through an illegal foreign exchange scheme. The suspects used domestic and international cryptocurrency accounts linked to Korean bank accounts, disguising the funds as payments for cosmetic surgery and overseas education. This case emerges as South Korea strengthens its crypto oversight, planning to expand anti-money laundering rules, implement the Travel Rule for crypto transfers, and introduce Bitcoin ETFs. Additionally, the Financial Services Commission is fast-tracking stablecoin legislation and preparing to lift the ban on institutional crypto trading, albeit with potential investment caps.

bitcoinist01/20 11:31

International Crypto Crime Ring Exposed: South Korea Uncovers $100 Million Laundering Scheme

bitcoinist01/20 11:31

$100M Underground Remittance Network Using Crypto, WeChat Dismantled In South Korea

South Korean authorities have dismantled an underground remittance network that moved approximately $102 million (150 billion won) across borders using mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay and cryptocurrencies. The scheme, which operated from September 2021 to June 2023, involved collecting funds from customers via the apps, converting the money into crypto abroad, and then cashing it out into South Korean bank accounts after transferring the digital assets to local wallets. To evade detection, the group disguised the transactions as payments for common services such as cosmetic surgery, study abroad fees, and trade-related costs. Three Chinese nationals have been arrested and face charges under foreign exchange laws. The case highlights the growing use of combined traditional and digital payment channels for illicit fund movements, prompting South Korea to strengthen regulations on crypto exchanges and mobile wallets.

bitcoinist01/20 08:05

$100M Underground Remittance Network Using Crypto, WeChat Dismantled In South Korea