US sanctions crypto exchange run by Iranian billionaire processing 'Tehran tollbooth' fees
A cryptocurrency exchange owned by an Iranian billionaire has been sanctioned by the US, which accuses it of processing toll payments from ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. BitBank is alleged to have routed hundreds of millions of dollars to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) after receiving cryptocurrency payments for the Hormuz Safe Marine Services Authority, which runs the…
The US Treasury has imposed sanctions on an Iranian billionaire and his cryptocurrency exchange for allegedly processing toll payments from ships through the Strait of Hormuz. BitBank, owned by Babak Zanjani, has been accused of routing hundreds of millions of dollars in Bitcoin payments to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Zanjani, who was previously sentenced to death for embezzlement, has been involved in various illicit activities, including evading sanctions to support Iran's regime. US officials have vowed to continue targeting those who aid the Iranian regime through digital assets. The UK has also joined the sanctions campaign by tightening restrictions on Iranian banks operating in the UK.
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