Tagged: sanctions

June 17, 2026 @ 8:11 am By Omar Faridi  |  

On June 15, 2026, the European Union rolled out a new wave of restrictive measures aimed at curbing Russia’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine. Blockchain analytics firm TRM Labs highlighted how these actions target key pillars supporting Moscow’s efforts, including its defense industry, energy exports,… Read More

June 10, 2026 @ 12:11 am By Omar Faridi  |  

UK Finance has indicated that effective sanctions enforcement, identifying the real owners or controllers of assets has always presented significant difficulties. This challenge intensifies significantly with cryptocurrencies, where the technology’s much-heralded openness does not always translate into clear links between transactions and real-world individuals or… Read More

June 5, 2026 @ 1:23 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

On June 2, 2026, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took significant action by designating four prominent Iranian cryptocurrency platforms—Nobitex, Wallex, Bitpin, and Ramzinex—along with key individuals associated with Nobitex. This move underscores ongoing efforts to disrupt financial networks… Read More

May 31, 2026 @ 4:26 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The US government has continued to adopt an overly aggressive financial strategy against Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has recently disclosed that American authorities have confiscated roughly $1 billion worth of cryptocurrency linked to Iran. The announcement underscores the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to disrupt… Read More

May 27, 2026 @ 3:37 am By Omar Faridi  |  

On May 26, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed a significant new sanctions package targeting 18 cryptocurrency-related entities and individuals deeply embedded in networks that facilitate Russia’s circumvention of international trade restrictions. This action, issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), highlights the role… Read More

May 21, 2026 @ 7:54 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis has shared informative insights on a key crypto ecosystem development. On May 20, 2026, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions against a network of more than a dozen individuals and entities tied to… Read More

April 30, 2026 @ 2:01 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Blockchain analytics firm Elliptic has indicated that the European Union has taken a decisive step to close loopholes in its sanctions regime against Russia. On April 23, 2026, the Council of the European Union approved its 20th package of measures, with the cryptocurrency-related provisions scheduled… Read More

April 29, 2026 @ 12:01 am By Omar Faridi  |  

TRM Labs has noted that on April 24, 2026, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took decisive action against a major cross-border criminal enterprise. Cambodian Senator Kok An and 28 associated individuals and entities were designated for their roles… Read More

April 25, 2026 @ 10:32 am By Omar Faridi  |  

TRM Labs noted that on April 24, 2026, the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took a significant step in digital asset enforcement by blacklisting two cryptocurrency wallets directly tied to Iran’s Central Bank. The move, which also highlighted connections to the… Read More

March 13, 2026 @ 3:03 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Chainalysis has noted that in a significant escalation of efforts to curb illicit funding for weapons programs, the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed fresh sanctions on individuals and companies tied to North Korean IT worker schemes that rely heavily on… Read More

February 25, 2026 @ 3:07 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Senator Richard Blumenthal has initiated a formal inquiry into Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, following explosive media revelations about potential widespread sanctions violations tied to Iran. Blumenthal is the lead Democrat on the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. While Republicans hold the majority in the… Read More

February 23, 2026 @ 2:25 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In a detailed analysis released on February 21, 2026, blockchain analytics firm Elliptic has shed new light on how several cryptocurrency platforms with deep ties to Russia continue to facilitate the circumvention of Western sanctions. These services enable Russian entities to convert rubles into digital… Read More

February 19, 2026 @ 7:39 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The year 2025 stands out as a pivotal moment in the enforcement of sanctions within the cryptocurrency sector, according to insights from blockchain analytics firm Elliptic. This period witnessed unprecedented actions by authorities, underscoring the growing intersection of digital assets with global security concerns. From… Read More

January 31, 2026 @ 11:58 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In a recent move to curb sanctions evasion, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on two cryptocurrency exchanges registered in the United Kingdom for their ties to Iran’s financial system and support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps… Read More

January 9, 2026 @ 12:20 pm By JD Alois  |  

The world is watching events in Iran as the populace is pushing back against the repressive regime led by the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Recent reports indicate that Khamenei has vowed not to back down as anti-government protesters take to the streets and communications are… Read More

December 14, 2025 @ 5:55 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

TRM Labs noted that on December 10, the United States had reportedly seized a large oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast for alleged sanctions evasion, escalating pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s regime and highlighting why, amid rising illicit activity, it is vital to understand the nation’s economic… Read More

November 13, 2025 @ 2:36 pm By JD Alois  |  

In a wide-ranging attack on drug-based money laundering, the US Department of the Treasury, in partnership with the Mexican government, has applied sanctions and other measures to undermine organized crime operating in Mexico, Europe, Canada, and elsewhere. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and… Read More

November 9, 2025 @ 7:44 pm By Tony Zerucha  |  

A new report from LexisNexis Risk Solutions suggests sanctions activity has moderated since a flurry caused by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Sanctions Pulse analyzes data from the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the UK Office… Read More

August 14, 2025 @ 11:50 am By JD Alois  |  

Garantex Europe OU, a crypto exchange based in Russia (originally registered in Estonia), has been sanctioned by the US Department of the Treasury. The sanctions were applied due to claims that Garantex was aiding criminals and sanction evasion. The crypto exchange is said to have… Read More

July 28, 2025 @ 4:40 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

In the ecosystem of blockchain and cryptocurrency, a new entity has emerged and is making a significant impact: A7A5, a Russian ruble-pegged stablecoin that has gained traction, now reportedly facilitating over $1 billion in daily transactions. Launched earlier this year in Kyrgyzstan, A7A5 has reportedly… Read More