Tether collaborated with the Royal Thai Police and U.S. Secret Service to recover $12 million in USDT from a transnational scam network in Southeast Asia. This joint operation led to the arrest of 73 suspects and highlighted blockchain transparency in combating crypto crimes.
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Tether’s role: The stablecoin issuer froze illicit funds and supported investigations, aiding in the seizure of over 522 million baht in crypto assets.
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Arrests and seizures: Authorities detained 73 individuals, including foreign nationals, as part of Thailand’s crackdown on online fraud and money laundering.
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Broader impact: Tether has frozen more than $3 billion in illicit crypto worldwide, collaborating with 290 agencies across 59 jurisdictions.
Discover how Tether’s $12 million USDT recovery with Thai police exposes crypto scam networks. Learn about arrests, frozen assets, and global efforts to protect investors—stay informed on blockchain security today.
What is the Tether $12 Million USDT Recovery?
Tether $12 million USDT recovery refers to a collaborative effort where Tether, the leading stablecoin issuer, assisted the Royal Thai Police and U.S. Secret Service in tracing and seizing $12 million worth of USDT linked to a transnational scam operating in Southeast Asia. This operation, announced by Tether, demonstrated the effectiveness of blockchain transparency in identifying and freezing illicit funds. The recovery process involved joint investigations that resulted in the arrest of 73 suspects and the seizure of crypto assets exceeding 522 million baht.
How Did Tether Support Law Enforcement in This Crypto Scam Case?
Tether played a pivotal role by leveraging the transparency of its USDT blockchain to track suspicious transactions originating from scam activities. The company’s efforts enabled authorities from Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division and the U.S. Secret Service to pinpoint the funds quickly. In total, 73 suspects—comprising 51 Thai nationals and 22 foreign individuals—were arrested, with seized assets valued at over 522 million baht, equivalent to approximately $15 million. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino emphasized the operation’s success, stating, “This operation highlights how blockchain transparency can empower law enforcement to act quickly and effectively against criminal activity.” Supporting data from Tether’s reports indicate that such collaborations have led to blocking over 3,660 wallets globally, with more than 2,100 cases involving U.S. agencies. This case aligns with Tether’s broader commitment to combating financial crimes, having frozen assets worth over $3 billion in partnership with 290 law enforcement agencies across 59 jurisdictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Role Did Tether Play in the $12 Million USDT Recovery from Thai Scams?
Tether provided critical blockchain analytics to trace the illicit USDT funds, enabling the Royal Thai Police and U.S. Secret Service to seize $12 million tied to a Southeast Asian scam network. The company froze the assets and supported arrests of 73 suspects, underscoring its dedication to global law enforcement partnerships in crypto crime prevention.
How Are Transnational Crypto Scams Operating in Southeast Asia Being Addressed?
Transnational crypto scams in Southeast Asia are being tackled through coordinated operations like the one involving Tether, Thai authorities, and U.S. agencies, which recovered $12 million in USDT and arrested dozens. These efforts focus on blockchain tracing, asset freezing, and international collaboration to reimburse victims and disrupt scam networks, ensuring safer digital finance for users everywhere.
Key Takeaways
- Blockchain’s Role in Recovery: Tether’s transparent ledger allowed rapid identification of $12 million in scam-related USDT, proving essential for law enforcement actions.
- Global Collaboration Impact: Partnerships with agencies in 59 jurisdictions have frozen over $3 billion in illicit crypto, including high-profile cases like the $225 million DOJ recovery.
- Investor Protection Priority: Operations like this emphasize educating the public on scam risks and committing to asset freezes to safeguard funds and promote trust in stablecoins.
Conclusion
The Tether $12 million USDT recovery exemplifies the growing synergy between cryptocurrency issuers and international law enforcement in dismantling transnational scam networks across Southeast Asia. By freezing illicit assets and facilitating arrests, these efforts not only recover funds but also enhance blockchain’s role in secure global commerce. As crypto adoption expands, continued collaboration will be vital to protect users from fraud—investors should prioritize verified platforms and stay vigilant against social engineering tactics promising quick returns.
Tether, the largest stablecoin issuer in the cryptocurrency industry, announced its participation in a recovery process with authorities that resulted in the seizure of $12 million worth of USDT. The funds were traced to a transnational scam operating across Southeast Asia through a joint operation between the Royal Thai Police and the United States Secret Service.
Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division, under the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, led the initiative to combat money laundering, online fraud, and cryptocurrency scams. The operation arrested 73 suspects, including 22 foreign nationals and 51 Thai natives, seizing crypto assets worth more than 522 million baht.
Tether Supports Royal Thai Police and U.S. Secret Service in Tracing and Seizing $12 Million from Transnational Scam Network.
— Tether announcement, November 13, 2025
Tether’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, commented that the company remains committed to supporting global law enforcement to freeze illicit assets, protect victims, and ensure USDT’s transparency benefits legitimate commerce.
Tether has actively engaged with law enforcement worldwide, contributing to multiple seizures. The U.S. Department of Justice acknowledged Tether’s role in recovering approximately $225 million in USDT in June. Additionally, Tether assisted in freezing $23 million linked to the sanctioned Russian exchange Garantex and $9 million from the Bybit hack.
According to Tether’s official report, the company has blocked more than 3,660 wallets in joint efforts, with 2,100 cases involving U.S. agencies. This Thai operation advances Tether’s goals of aiding international efforts against financial crimes involving stablecoins and other crypto assets.
Tether has collaborated with 290 law enforcement agencies across 59 jurisdictions, freezing more than $3 billion in cryptocurrency believed to stem from illicit activities.
Thai Doubles Down on Crypto Scam Crackdown
The Thai government intensified its national agenda against crypto scams, fraud, and money laundering. Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced results from a cybercrime suppression operation during a November 10 press conference themed “United Thailand Against Scammers.” Authorities seized digital assets worth 14 million baht (about $432,000) from foreigners, reimbursing victims accordingly.
The Prime Minister highlighted the apprehension of a network linked to former Cambodian Senator Ly Yong Phat for money laundering tied to online scams, recovering 400 million baht (around $12 million). Charnvirakul stressed public education on cybercrime protection to enhance safety.
This follows reports of U.S. authorities, including the Department of Justice, FBI, and Secret Service, forming an interagency task force against crypto scams by Chinese transnational groups targeting U.S. citizens. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro noted annual losses exceed $9 billion, likely higher due to underreporting. Scammers use online platforms, texts, and social media to lure victims into fake crypto investments.
