T3 FCU Freezes $300M in Illicit Crypto Assets

T3 FCU, launched in September 2024 by Tether, TRON and TRM Labs, is a public-private crypto crime unit that uses advanced blockchain tools to detect and freeze illicit funds. In its first year, T3 FCU has frozen over $300 million in illicit crypto assets. The unit works in real time with 23 global law enforcement agencies to target money laundering, investment fraud, terrorism financing and emerging threats such as pig butchering, wrench attacks and North Korea–linked hacks. Key operations include a $6 million freeze on Binance tied to a massive pig butchering scam and Brazil’s Operation Lusocoin, which seized R$3 billion and 4.3 million USDT. By January 2025, T3 FCU had frozen $100 million, rising to $250 million by August under the T3+ Global Collaborator Program, and $300 million by November. Data shows 39% of investigations involve illicit goods and services, underscoring the need for stronger stablecoin compliance and blockchain security. The success of this crypto crime unit highlights stablecoins’ role in improving transparency and compliance. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino and TRON founder Justin Sun say the T3 FCU model sets a new standard for industry-led self-regulation without hindering innovation. Traders should watch for continued enforcement and collaboration to strengthen market integrity and confidence in USDT and TRX.