Tether Aids Venezuela's Oil Trade to Bypass Sanctions Using USDT
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 11 2026- Compliance Assurance: Tether emphasizes its cooperation with U.S. authorities to ensure compliance with sanctions regulations, enhancing its credibility in restricted economies by freezing wallets involved in illicit activities upon request.
- Digital Currency Utilization: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has leveraged Tether (USDT) for oil transactions, reportedly circumventing U.S. financial sanctions, which underscores the significance of stablecoins as a trading tool in restricted markets.
- Market Trends: By early 2024, numerous contracts by PdVSA began mandating USDT settlements, reflecting a growing trend of countries using stablecoins to bypass financial blockades, potentially attracting regulatory scrutiny.
- Market Performance: As of early 2024, USDT maintains a price of $0.99 with a market cap of $186.76 billion and a 24-hour trading volume of approximately $37.36 billion, despite a recent 43.54% decline in trading volume, indicating the stablecoin's continued importance in the market.
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.
