A recent UN report casts a stark light on the cryptocurrency giant, Tether, revealing its significant role in Southeast Asia’s crypto crime wave. Amid this concern, Tether’s market cap has soared, nearing a monumental $100 billion and securing a dominant 73% market share.
Tether’s position in the crypto sector has always been paradoxical and contentious. As a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, it allows traders to move in and out of cryptocurrency trades easily.
Updated on January 16 at 09:55 UTC: Tether criticized the UN’s assessment for focusing solely on USDT’s supposed illicit use, ignoring its support for neglected emerging economies. The company highlighted its collaboration with law enforcement agencies like the DOJ, FBI, and USSS. It argued this partnership ensures better transaction monitoring than traditional banks, often fined for laundering. Using public blockchains, Tether affirmed it tracks transactions to deter illegal activities, evidenced by freezing over $300 million in assets. According to the firm, its partnership with Chainalysis further showcases its commitment to community safety and cryptocurrency integrity.
UN Puts Tether on Blast for Role in Cyber Crime
It is this very characteristic, however, that has also made it a tool of choice for money launderers and fraudsters in Southeast Asia, as highlighted by the UN’s Office on Drugs and Crime. The report details Tether’s involvement in “pig butchering” scams. This refers to a deceitful strategy where false romantic connections are used to trick victims into transferring large sums of money.
The appeal of Tether to criminal enterprises is rooted in its capacity for fast, irreversible transactions. This feature is particularly exploited in illegal online gambling platforms, now a common vehicle for cryptocurrency-based money laundering.
The report underscores the sophisticated use of Tether in these high-speed laundering operations.
Despite facing regulatory challenges and scrutiny, Tether’s market dominance remains unshaken. It significantly overshadows its closest competitor, Circle’s USDC stablecoin, which boasts a market cap of $25.5 billion.
This disparity underlines Tether’s entrenched position, even as it navigates through various legal and ethical quandaries.
Tether Takes Steps Toward Compliance and Transparency
In 2021, Tether grappled with allegations from the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission over misleading statements regarding its dollar reserves, culminating in a $41 million fine.
Recognizing the need for tighter control, Tether has since collaborated with US authorities to curb the illicit use of its token. This initiative has led to a notable increase in blacklisted Tether wallets, as reported by industry data provider CCData.
The UN report’s revelations about Tether’s involvement in financial crimes and its unwavering market growth paint a complex picture. While Tether continues to be a cornerstone in the crypto market, its use in criminal activities poses significant concerns. These developments highlight the urgent need for more robust regulatory frameworks and international cooperation to tackle the challenges.
Overall, Tether’s story is a reminder of the dual nature of cryptocurrencies. While they revolutionize financial transactions, they also open up new avenues for criminal activities.
Read more: 7 Best Crypto Wallets to Store Tether (USDT)
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