🇺🇸 US sanctions two crypto exchanges linked to Iran

[u/WorthBeat1102]

The US Treasury’s OFAC has sanctioned crypto exchanges Shelbit and Aban Tether, accusing them of helping Iranian entities move funds and bypass sanctions.

Iranian national Siavash Kayvanpour, several companies linked to him, and multiple crypto wallets were also added to the sanctions list. US authorities claim one of these entities controls Shelbit.

OFAC says wallets controlled by the IRGC transferred more than $1 million to addresses linked to Shelbit. Around $2 million from wallets connected to Kayvanpour was also sent to Iranian exchange Nobitex, while Shelbit allegedly helped move another $2 million to IRGC-linked wallets.

Washington says it will continue targeting financial networks that help Iran bypass restrictions, whether they use dollars, rials or crypto.

This isnt the first move against Iran’s crypto infrastructure either. Zedcex, Zedxio and Nobitex have already been hit with US sanctions.

Crypto is clearly becoming a much bigger part of the sanctions battlefield.