Illicit goods and services accounted for 39% of all investigated cases.
The T3 Financial Crime Unit has frozen more than $300 million in criminal assets globally. T3 FCU operates as a joint initiative between Tether, TRON, and TRM Labs. The partnership began operations in September 2024 and works with law enforcement agencies worldwide.
T3 FCU has assisted law enforcement in 23 jurisdictions across multiple continents. The unit has supported dozens of operations targeting money laundering and investment fraud. Terrorism financing and organized crime investigations also received support from T3 FCU.
The partnership combines public and private sector resources for blockchain security. Law enforcement agencies use T3 FCU capabilities to detect illicit financial activity. Digital asset tracing and disruption form core functions of the initiative.
Operation Lusocoin marked a significant achievement for T3 FCU in Brazil. The Brazilian Federal Police investigation uncovered a large-scale money laundering network. Authorities froze over R$3 billion in assets during the operation.
The criminal organization utilized cryptocurrency for currency evasion. T3 FCU helped freeze 4.3 million USDT linked to the network. Brazilian authorities formally recognized T3 FCU for its critical support.
T3 FCU has worked with agencies across the United States, Europe, and other regions. The United States recorded $83 million in frozen assets through T3 FCU assistance. Spain, Germany, Albania, Bulgaria, and Finland also benefited from the partnership.
Brazil, Australia, Poland, and the United Kingdom received T3 FCU support. The unit has not yet assisted agencies in Africa. Every other continent has seen T3 FCU operations.
Illicit goods and services accounted for 39% of investigated cases. Fraud and scams represented another major category of criminal activity. Hacks and exploits also drew T3 FCU attention.
North Korea-linked operations have been identified in multiple investigations. The Bybit hack involved $19 million in frozen assets. T3 FCU helped trace funds from this exploit.
Investigators identified a rise in wrench attacks involving physical coercion. Violent crime tied to crypto holdings has increased. Global coordination and rapid intervention mechanisms have become urgent priorities.
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, addressed the $300 million milestone. “Tether is deeply committed to maintaining the integrity of the financial ecosystem,” Ardoino said. The company collaborates with over 280 law enforcement agencies globally.
Justin Sun, Founder of TRON, emphasized the protective capabilities of blockchain. “Blockchain technology has the power to protect as much as it empowers,” Sun stated. He called the T3 FCU milestone proof of effective collaboration.
Esteban Castaño, Co-Founder and CEO of TRM Labs, highlighted public-private collaboration importance. “Real progress happens when investigators and platforms work from the same map,” Castaño explained. His remarks emphasized real-time cooperation.
T3 FCU launched the T3+ Global Collaborator Program in August 2025. Binance joined as the first official member of the program. The initiative enhances cross-border information sharing and enforcement coordination.
T3 FCU and T3+ members attended the 9th Global Conference on Criminal Finances in Vienna. Europol and the Basel Institute on Governance co-hosted the conference in October. Representatives from TRON DAO, Tether, Binance, TRM Labs, and Europol participated in the event.
