Senator Blumenthal Demands Binance Records Over Alleged $1.7B Iran Sanctions Breach

Investigating the Hong Kong Connection

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., has launched an inquiry into Binance following reports that the platform allegedly facilitated $1.7 billion in transactions to Iranian entities linked to terrorism. The investigation, opened Feb. 24 by the Senate Homeland Security Committee, centers on claims that Binance leadership ignored internal warnings from its own compliance team regarding massive money-laundering schemes.

The inquiry follows reports from The New York Times and other outlets detailing how Binance investigators flagged a surge of cryptocurrency moving from the exchange to sanctioned Iranian targets. At the heart of the probe are two Hong Kong-based entities, including a Binance vendor known as Blessed Trust. Internal whistleblowers reportedly identified these firms as the primary origin of the transfers.

“Binance appears to have ignored warnings and recommendations to prevent Iranian money laundering schemes on its cryptocurrency exchange,” Blumenthal wrote in a letter to Binance CEO Richard Teng.

The senator is also seeking to understand claims that Binance suspended or fired the investigators responsible for uncovering the Iranian link.

However, the cryptocurrency exchange has pushed back against allegations that it turned a blind eye to illegal activity. A company spokeswoman reportedly argued that the discovery of the suspicious transactions is evidence of the platform’s success. The spokeswoman revealed that Binance removed the accounts linked to the Iranian transactions and severed ties with Blessed Trust in January. She also rejected accusations that the exchange targeted individuals who uncovered the transfers to entities linked to Tehran.

To address the committee’s concerns, Blumenthal’s letter asks Binance to produce comprehensive records detailing the suspension and termination of the compliance personnel and investigators involved in the internal probe.

FAQ ❓

• Why is Binance under investigation? U.S. Sen. Blumenthal launched a probe into $1.7B in alleged Iran‑linked transfers.
• What triggered the Senate inquiry? Reports said Binance ignored compliance warnings about money‑laundering schemes.
• How has Binance responded? The exchange claims it cut ties with Blessed Trust and removed flagged accounts.
• What records has the Senate requested? Blumenthal asked for details on staff suspensions and internal probe actions.