Tether Weaponizes Centralization, Freezes $3.2B in Illicit Funds

Tether Cements Law Enforcement Role, Aids US-Thai Seizure of $12M in Scam

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Tether's "Crypto Cop" Pivot: $3.2B Frozen as $12M Seized in US-Thai Sting
  • Tether is cementing its new role as a “proactive” law enforcement ally, weaponizing its own blockchain tools to freeze illicit funds.
  • The Latest Example: Tether aided the Royal Thai Police and U.S. Secret Service in seizing $12M in USDT from a transnational scam network, leading to 73 arrests.
  • The “Real Story”: This is part of a much larger “Global Freeze” operation. Tether has now blocked 3,660 wallets and frozen over $3.2 billion in illicit funds, working with 290+ agencies worldwide.

Tether is cementing its new role as a proactive “global crypto cop,” weaponizing its blockchain tools to aid international law enforcement. The latest move saw Tether assist the Royal Thai Police and the United States Secret Service in tracing and seizing $12 million in USDT from a massive transnational scam network.

The Latest Sting: $12M Seized in US-Thai Crackdown

The coordinated effort, led by Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division, targeted a “pig butchering” web of online fraud and money-laundering schemes operating across Southeast Asia.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 73 suspects (51 Thai and 22 foreign nationals) and the seizure of over 522 million baht in total assets. The $12 million in USDT (approx. 400 million baht) was a critical part of the illicit funds that moved through digital channels.

Tether provided rapid support, using its internal monitoring systems to help identify and freeze wallet activity linked to the scheme.

Related: Tether Bridges US-China Assets, Launching USD₮0 and CNH₮0 on China-Compliant Conflux Network

The $3.2B “Scorecard”: Tether’s Proactive “Global Freeze” Operation

This $12M seizure is just the latest entry in what has become a massive, proactive “global freeze” operation by Tether. The company has aggressively expanded its engagement with law enforcement to combat its “illicit finance” reputation.

Last June, the U.S. Department of Justice recognized Tether’s role in seizing $225 million USDT from a global trafficking ring. The company also assisted the U.S. Secret Service in freezing $23 million USDT tied to the sanctioned exchange Garantex and blocked $9 million USDT from the Bybit hack.To date, Tether has blocked more than 3,660 wallets and frozen over $3.2 billion in illicit funds. The company now works with over 290 law-enforcement agencies across 59 jurisdictions.

Related: Tether Hires HSBC Gold Chiefs To Deepen $12B Bullion Hoard And Broaden $180B Reserves

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. The article does not constitute financial advice or advice of any kind. Coin Edition is not responsible for any losses incurred as a result of the utilization of content, products, or services mentioned. Readers are advised to exercise caution before taking any action related to the company.


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