Tether Assists Turkey in $544 Million Crypto Seizure, Reveals $3.4B Global Enforcement Record

TLDR:

• Tether assisted Turkish authorities in freezing $544 million in crypto linked to betting schemes. 
• Stablecoin issuer has supported over 1,800 law enforcement cases across 62 countries worldwide. 
• Tether has frozen a total of $3.4 billion in illicit USDT through global cooperation efforts. 
• Turkish probe targets Darkex platform owner accused of providing crypto infrastructure for betting.

Tether assisted Turkish authorities in freezing approximately $544 million in cryptocurrency assets tied to illegal betting operati

The stablecoin issuer acted on requests from law enforcement investigating money laundering schemes. 

The frozen funds represent one of Turkey’s largest crypto-related seizures to date. Tether simultaneously disclosed its involvement in over 1,800 cases across 62 countries. 

The company has frozen a total of $3.4 billion in illicit USDT through global law enforcement collaborations.

Tether’s Expanding Role in Global Law Enforcement

Tether’s cooperation with Turkish officials highlights the company’s growing partnership with international authorities. 

The stablecoin issuer provided technical assistance to freeze wallets connected to unauthorized betting platforms. 

This intervention prevented suspects from moving potentially laundered cryptocurrency to other addresses. 

The action demonstrates how blockchain transparency enables rapid response to criminal investigations.

The $544 million seizure in Turkey forms part of a broader enforcement pattern. Tether has developed protocols for responding to legitimate law enforcement requests worldwide. 

These procedures allow authorities to immobilize USDT holdings linked to suspected criminal activity. The company maintains compliance teams dedicated to processing such requests efficiently.

Across 62 countries, Tether has supported more than 1,800 criminal investigations. The cases span various categories including fraud, money laundering, and illicit marketplace operations. 

The $3.4 billion in frozen USDT reflects the scale of detected criminal activity. This figure represents cumulative freezes executed over multiple years of cooperation.

The stablecoin issuer’s transparency measures contrast with criticisms often directed at cryptocurrency platforms. 

By maintaining the ability to freeze addresses, Tether provides law enforcement with tools unavailable in truly decentralized systems. 

This capability has made USDT a cooperative asset in criminal investigations. Authorities can trace and halt illicit fund movements more effectively than with privacy-focused cryptocurrencies.

Turkish Investigation Targets Crypto-Enabled Betting Networks

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office identified the frozen assets as belonging to illegal betting operations. Authorities targeted Seref Yazici, owner of the Dubai-based Darkex cryptocurrency platform. 

The exchange operated in Turkey without licensing from the Capital Markets Board. Turkish regulators blocked access to Darkex in September 2025.

MASAK, Turkey’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board, accused Yazici of facilitating unlawful betting through crypto infrastructure. 

The platform allegedly processed transactions for unauthorized gambling websites operating across Turkey. 

Authorities seized real estate, corporate shares, banking accounts, and cryptocurrency holdings. This comprehensive freeze aims to prevent the laundering of criminally obtained proceeds.

The case follows another major Turkish seizure announced last week. Officials confiscated $550 million in cryptocurrency linked to fugitive Veysel Sahin. 

Sahin faces an Interpol Red Notice for operating illegal betting platforms and money laundering. Extradition proceedings remain ongoing.

Tether’s assistance in both Turkish cases demonstrates the company’s responsiveness to regional enforcement efforts. The combined seizures exceed $1 billion in cryptocurrency value. 

Turkish authorities continue investigating additional platforms suspected of providing services to unlicensed betting operations. 

The crackdown reflects stricter oversight of cryptocurrency exchanges serving Turkish users without proper authorization.