US Prosecutors Launch Second Binance Investigation Over Alleged Iran Sanctions Violations
US authorities launch new investigation into Binance
US prosecutors have opened a second investigation into Binance, the Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange. The Manhattan US attorney's office and the Justice Department's Washington office are examining whether Binance knowingly allowed trades linked to Iran that violated American sanctions against the country.
Bloomberg reported the investigation on September 22, 2026.
What the sources say
Binance said it does not tolerate sanctions violations. The exchange stated it fully cooperates with law enforcement and remains committed to rooting out bad actors.
Earlier this year, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Forbes reported that two Chinese companies had traded billions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency on Binance as part of a plan to help Iran continue selling its oil. Binance called those reports defamatory.
In March 2026, the Justice Department reportedly began investigating Binance regarding these Iran-linked funds. In the same month, Binance filed a defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal.
Previous government action
Earlier this month, the US government seized and planned to forfeit $61 million worth of frozen USDT. USDT is a type of stablecoin, a cryptocurrency designed to maintain a steady value tied to the US dollar. Authorities said this money was allegedly part of Iran's oil trading.
According to the US government, this enterprise has generated $1.5 billion in cryptocurrency proceeds for Iran's military and nuclear programs.
Sources
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