Israel Confiscates 187 Crypto Wallets Linked to Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Holding Over $1 Billion
Jerusalem – September 17, 2025 – Israel’s National Office to Combat Terrorism (NBCTF) announced Monday the confiscation of 187 cryptocurrency wallets allegedly linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). the wallets contained, or previously held, over $1.5 billion in the cryptocurrency Tether (USDT).
The NBCTF, affiliated with the Ministry of Defense, has not disclosed details on how the wallets were identified or the current volume of funds seized.
Cryptocurrencies enable global money transfers outside conventional financial systems, utilizing blockchain technology – a decentralized record of transactions identified by alphanumeric addresses rather than personal details.
Analysis firm Elliptic reported Monday that the identified wallets had previously received $1.5 billion in USDT. However, Elliptic cautioned that verifying a direct link to the IRGC is complex, as some addresses may belong to cryptocurrency services facilitating transactions for multiple customers.
Blockchain technology, while foundational to digital currencies like Bitcoin, has applications extending far beyond the cryptocurrency realm.
According to Elliptic, 39 of the 187 wallets were blacklisted by Tether on September 13th, resulting in the freezing of $1.5 million in cryptocurrency. elliptic co-founder Tom Robinson stated the remaining wallets held only minimal amounts.
Tether confirmed regular cooperation with law enforcement agencies, including the NBCTF, to freeze illicit funds, but did not comment directly on the confiscation order or Elliptic’s findings.
The IRGC, a separate entity from Iran’s regular armed forces, is designated as a terrorist organization and subject to sanctions by the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. Israel considers Iran its largest regional threat, accusing it of funding armed groups throughout the Middle East.
