IRGC Transfers $1 Billion via UK Exchanges Amid Sanctions Evasion
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
- Scale of Transfers: Since 2023, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has transferred approximately $1 billion through UK-registered exchanges Zedcex and Zedxion, primarily in USDT, revealing significant vulnerabilities in cryptocurrency platforms against sanctions evasion.
- Increased Regulatory Scrutiny: On July 2, 2025, Tether executed its largest-ever freeze, blocking 42 IRGC-linked addresses, reflecting a pivotal shift towards proactive compliance in international crypto regulation, which may lead to stricter AML and KYC policies.
- Market Response: Tether's USDT maintains a price near $0.999 with a market cap of $186.71 billion, despite a 52.19% drop in trading volume, indicating stable usage amid fluctuating engagement and a growing focus on compliance among users.
- Geopolitical Implications: Israeli and U.S. authorities linked these crypto activities to the IRGC, highlighting heightened global counter-terror financing efforts, which are expected to further drive regulatory intervention in the crypto market, impacting overall market stability.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
