🚨 Tether freezes $182 million in 24 hours: a reminder of stablecoin centralization
On January 11, Tether (USDT) froze over $182 million across five Tron blockchain wallets, with individual amounts ranging from $12 million to $50 million, according to ChainCatcher and Whale Alert.
💡 Even though cryptocurrencies are designed to be censorship-resistant, stablecoins like USDT remain highly centralized.
Tether can instantly freeze funds through its smart contracts and regularly collaborates with the FBI, Department of Justice, and U.S. Secret Service.
📊 Key statistics
Between 2023 and 2025, Tether has frozen approximately $3.3 billion in assets
7,268 addresses have been added to its blacklist
Stablecoins now account for 60% of the market, and USDT's market cap remains at $187 billion
🔍 According to Chainalysis, by the end of 2025, 84% of illicit crypto transactions will go through stablecoins.
🧠 Key takeaway for traders and investors
Even a stablecoin is not entirely "free"
Understanding centralization is crucial for risk management
Think carefully before storing large amounts in USDT or other stablecoins
❓ What do you think—will centralized stablecoins remain secure in the long term?
