The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned 8 Canadian money services businesses over alleged cryptocurrency transactions linked to Iran and offered up to US$20 million for information about Iran’s nuclear program.
Investigations identified these businesses for processing cryptocurrency transactions and money laundering schemes that evaded international blockades to channel funds to Iran and its allies.
The U.S. Treasury Department, through the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, ordered financial institutions in the country to prohibit the processing of transfers or transactions with the cryptocurrency exchange M3XC Global.
The agency said that between May 2021 and May 2026, M3XC processed at least US$16 billion in transactions linked to illicit financial activities, cybercrime, and evasion of international sanctions.
The exchange said it is reviewing the order with its legal and compliance teams. It also stated that the platform continues to operate normally and that users’ assets are protected.