Blockchain analytics firm Arkham has identified two OFAC-sanctioned Tron wallets connected to Iran's central bank. The mapping provides new public insight into Tehran's onchain cryptocurrency activity.
Arkham linked the wallets directly to the central bank after examining transaction data. This follows a freeze of $344 million in USDT, which the firm used to expose related blockchain movements by Tehran authorities.
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The U.S. Treasury Department submitted a report to Congress on March 9, 2026—commissioned under the GENIUS Act—outlining four technological pillars to enhance transparency in cryptocurrency transactions: artificial intelligence for monitoring, digital identity for onboarding, blockchain analytics for tracing, and interoperable data-sharing APIs. It describes digital assets as key to U.S. innovation leadership while acknowledging lawful users' need for privacy tools like mixers on public blockchains, amid risks from illicit exploitation.
Experts from blockchain intelligence firm NOMINIS.io have revealed how Iran's regime employs cryptocurrencies to evade Western sanctions, funding proxy groups in the region. By selling oil to Russia and China for digital payments, Iran maintains economic flows despite restrictions. This network also facilitates activities like espionage, as seen in a recent Israeli indictment.
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Blockchain analytics firm Elliptic reported a 700% spike in cryptocurrency outflows from Iran's largest exchange, Nobitex, minutes after U.S.-Israeli airstrikes hit Tehran over the weekend. The strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and targeted key sites, prompting possible capital flight via digital assets. This event highlights cryptocurrencies' role in bypassing sanctions and banking restrictions in Iran.
North Korea-linked hackers stole roughly 60 percent of all cryptocurrency losses from hacks worldwide in 2025, amounting to about $2.06 billion, according to blockchain security firm CertiK.
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The U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned a Russian exploit brokerage network accused of buying stolen U.S. government cyber tools with cryptocurrency and reselling them. This marks the first use of authorities under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act. The network, led by Sergey Sergeyevich Zelenyuk, obtained at least eight proprietary tools from a U.S. defense contractor.
A security investigation has accused Persona, the company handling know-your-customer checks for OpenAI, of sending user data including crypto addresses to federal agencies like FinCEN. Researchers found code that enables monitoring and reporting of suspicious activities. Persona denies current ties to federal agencies.
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Payward, the parent company of crypto exchange Kraken, has applied for a national trust company charter with the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The filing seeks to expand regulated custody services for digital assets. It builds on the firm's existing Wyoming banking subsidiary.