Tether TRON and TRM Labs Unite to Combat Crypto Crime Worldwide

Highlights

• T3 Financial Crime Unit freezes more than USD 300 million in criminal assets globally.
• Recognized by Brazilian Federal Police for aiding Operation Lusocoin.
• Active investigations across 23 jurisdictions worldwide.
• Common crimes include fraud, money laundering, hacks, and terrorism financing.

The T3 Financial Crime Unit (T3 FCU) — a joint initiative between Tether, TRON, and TRM Labs — has frozen more than USD 300 million in criminal assets worldwide, marking a major milestone in global efforts to curb cryptocurrency-related financial crime.

Launched in September 2024, T3 FCU has become a leading example of public–private collaboration in blockchain security. The unit works directly with law enforcement agencies around the world to trace, detect, and disrupt criminal operations using digital assets. Its investigations have assisted dozens of cross-border operations targeting crimes such as money laundering, investment fraud, terrorism financing, and organized crime.

Recognition from Brazil for Operation Lusocoin

In a significant achievement, T3 FCU was formally recognized by the Brazilian Federal Police for its role in Operation Lusocoin, a major probe into large-scale money laundering and currency evasion through cryptocurrencies. The operation led to the freezing of over R$3 billion in assets, including 4.3 million USDT linked to a criminal organization. The recognition underscores the power of coordinated efforts among blockchain platforms, analytics firms, and global law enforcement agencies.

Global Reach and Investigative Impact

Within its first year, T3 FCU has supported authorities in 23 jurisdictions across every continent except Africa. The United States accounted for the largest share of assistance, with $83 million in frozen assets across 37 cases, followed by Spain, Germany, Albania, Bulgaria, Finland, Brazil, Australia, Poland, and the United Kingdom.

The most common categories of investigation include illicit goods and services (39%), fraud and scams, hacks and exploits, and cases connected to the DPRK, including the Bybit hack valued at USD 19 million. The unit has also reported a rise in “wrench attacks,” referring to physical coercion and violent crimes tied to crypto assets.

Strengthening Global Collaboration

T3 FCU continues to collaborate closely with international law enforcement agencies, including Europol, on ongoing investigations involving financial crimes such as money laundering, extortion, and terrorism financing.

In August 2025, the T3+ Global Collaborator Program was launched to expand public–private cooperation. Binance became the first official member, marking a key step in enhancing global information sharing and cross-border coordination to prevent crypto-related crime.

About T3 Financial Crime Unit (T3 FCU)

Founded by TRON, Tether, and TRM Labs in September 2024, T3 FCU is a pioneering public–private partnership focused on combating illicit activity in the blockchain ecosystem. In its first year, it has frozen over USD 300 million in criminal assets across five continents and demonstrated how coordinated collaboration can effectively protect the global financial system.