US Sanctions UK Crypto Exchanges Over Alleged IRGC Ties
the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned two UK-registered cryptocurrency exchanges, Zedcex Exchange Ltd. and Zedxion Exchange Ltd., for allegedly facilitating financial transactions for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This action marks the first time entire digital asset platforms have been sanctioned under U.S. measures targeting Iran.
Key Sanction Details
Targeted Entities: Zedcex Exchange Ltd. and Zedxion Exchange Ltd., registered in the UK.
Allegations: The exchanges are accused of processing nearly $1 billion in IRGC-related transactions, primarily using Tether (USDT) on the Tron network. Since its registration in August 2022, Zedcex reportedly processed over $94 billion in total transactions.
Key Figure Involved: The exchanges are allegedly linked to Babak Morteza Zanjani, an Iranian businessman previously convicted of embezzlement, who U.S. officials claim resumed money laundering for the Iranian regime after his release.
Broader Enforcement Actions
These sanctions were part of wider actions targeting seven Iranian individuals, including senior security officials and IRGC commanders involved in human rights abuses and suppressing protests.
Individuals Sanctioned: Included Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni Kalagari and various IRGC regional commanders.
Impact: All property and interests of these entities and individuals in the U.S. or controlled by U.S. persons are frozen, and transactions with them are prohibited.
Significance for the Crypto Industry
This development suggests a shift towards sanctioning entire exchange infrastructures rather than just individual wallets. It highlights that international registration does not exempt crypto platforms from U.S. regulations if they facilitate sanctioned activities.
#CryptoSanctions #IranSanctions #DigitalAssets #FinCEN #UStreasury