UN Employs Tether to Combat Cryptocurrency Fraud and Human Trafficking

crypthub

1 day ago

Partnership Overview

Tether has joined the UN Office on Drugs and Crime to improve cybersecurity and curb digital‑asset fraud in Africa, Papua New Guinea and other vulnerable areas. The collaboration will fund victim‑protection programs, youth education and blockchain tools aimed at organized crime. It supports UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Africa 2030.

Education and Victim Support

In Senegal, Tether finances a multi‑phase cyber‑training bootcamp for youth, followed by mentorship and micro‑grants. Across six African nations it backs NGOs that assist human‑trafficking survivors, while in PNG it sponsors university contests on blockchain crime‑prevention. These actions aim to build resilient, financially inclusive communities.

Enforcement Track Record

Between 2023‑2025 Tether froze $3.3 billion in 7,268 wallets and collaborated with over 275 law‑enforcement agencies in 59 jurisdictions. Seized tokens were burned and clean replacements issued, contrasting with Circle’s $109 million freeze in the same period. The focus now shifts from pure enforcement to proactive development.

Crypto Crime Landscape

Africa moved $205 billion in crypto (July 2024‑June 2025) while becoming a prime target for scams, with $260 million of illicit flows uncovered by Interpol. UN reports link USDT on low‑cost networks to terrorism, trafficking and pig‑butchering scams causing $18‑$37 billion losses in 2023. Tether’s recent launches of Rumble Wallet and the Scudo gold‑backed asset complement its preventive mission.