US sanctions Dubai-based crypto exchange over alleged IRGC funding
The United States sanctioned Dubai-based Shelbit for processing millions for Iran's state entities. This action targets sanctions evasion through cryptocurrency networks, as announced by the Treasury Department. Shelbit allegedly facilitated transactions for Iran's central bank and the IRGC. The exchange denied all allegations and stated operations ceased in January 2026. Dubai's regulator also…
The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange Shelbit, its founder Siavash Kayvanpour, and a network of associated companies. The sanctions were imposed due to allegations that the exchange processed millions of dollars in digital assets for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran's central bank, and other entities linked to the Iranian state.
The US Treasury also sanctioned Aban Tether, an Iran-based crypto exchange, for processing transactions for sanctioned Iranian entities, including Nobitex, Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange. The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, stated that the sanctions were part of a wider crackdown on sanctions evasion through cryptocurrency networks.
The US Treasury accused Kayvanpour of providing material support to both the IRGC and Nobitex. Shelbit denied the allegations and stated that it had ceased operations in January 2026. The US action comes after Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) issued a notice stating that Shelbit violated anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations.
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