KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Tether assisted the DOJ in seizing $61 million in USD₮ linked to a major fraud scheme.
- The operation highlights Tether’s commitment to transparency and collaboration with law enforcement.
- Tether has frozen $4.2 billion in assets related to illicit activities, showcasing its proactive role in combating financial crimes.
On February 25, 2026, Tether, a leading entity in the digital asset sector, announced its recognition by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) for its assistance in a significant enforcement action. This operation involved the seizure of nearly $61 million in USD₮, connected to a major ‘pig butchering’ fraud scheme targeting individuals across various jurisdictions.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reported that the operation was executed by Homeland Security agents and analysts in Raleigh, North Carolina. The investigation was initiated following a report from a victim of the alleged investment fraud. Investigators successfully traced the stolen funds through multiple cryptocurrency wallets and addresses that still held substantial balances.
With Tether’s collaboration, Homeland Security managed to recover $61 million in USD₮. This action underscores Tether’s dedication to leading the digital asset industry in a compliant and transparent manner by aiding law enforcement globally in combating crypto-related crimes.
Tether’s Commitment to Transparency and Law Enforcement
To date, Tether has frozen approximately $4.2 billion in assets linked to illicit activities. This has been achieved through real-time tracking, advanced analytics, and direct collaboration with over 310 law enforcement agencies across more than 64 countries.
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, stated, “Tether’s cooperation with the Department of Justice highlights the need for blockchain transparency to empower law enforcement to act quickly and effectively against criminal activity.” He emphasized Tether’s commitment to supporting authorities in freezing illicit assets, protecting victims, and ensuring that USD₮ remains a transparent tool for global commerce.
Ongoing Efforts in Financial Crime Investigations
Tether has played a crucial role in high-profile financial crime investigations, working closely with international agencies to track, freeze, and seize illicit funds. The company’s ongoing efforts reflect its commitment to maintaining close cooperation with law enforcement authorities to promote transparency, prevent the misuse of digital assets, and strengthen trust in blockchain-based financial systems.
For more details, the announcement can be found here.
Why This Matters: Impact, Industry Trends & Expert Insights
On February 25, 2026, Tether was recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice for its role in a $61 million seizure linked to a ‘pig butchering’ fraud scheme. This operation highlights Tether’s ongoing collaboration with law enforcement to combat crypto-related crimes.
A TRM Labs report notes that pig butchering scams accounted for a significant portion of illicit crypto flows in 2025. This underscores the importance of Tether’s efforts in supporting law enforcement to disrupt such fraudulent activities.
According to Chainalysis experts, blockchain’s inherent transparency is revolutionizing financial crime investigation and asset recovery. This reinforces the impact of Tether’s collaboration with the DOJ, highlighting the potential for blockchain technology to enhance regulatory compliance and reduce fraud risks.
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