On 13 November 2025, a cross-border tether seizure linked to a Southeast Asian scam ring saw authorities trace and freeze approximately 12 million USDT, equal to roughly 400 million baht.
Summary
How did the tether seizure unfold across Southeast Asia?
Tether said it supported the Royal Thai Police and the U.S. Secret Service in an international operation that led to the seizure of approximately 12 million USDT, valued at roughly 400 million baht, tied to a large scam network spanning Southeast Asia.
The effort was led by Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) under the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES).
According to the Royal Thai Police, officers arrested 73 suspects—including 51 Thai and 22 foreign nationals—and seized assets worth more than 522 million baht. However, investigations are continuing across multiple jurisdictions.
“This operation highlights how blockchain transparency can empower law enforcement to act quickly and effectively against criminal activity,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. “We are committed to supporting law enforcement around the world in freezing illicit assets, protecting victims, and ensuring that USDT continues to serve as a transparent tool for global commerce.”
What earlier actions show Tether’s law enforcement cooperation?
Over the past year, Tether worked with global agencies on multiple actions. Last June, the company was acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Justice for assisting a major enforcement action involving the seizure of approximately $225 million in USDT. Moreover, the DOJ later filed a related civil forfeiture complaint against $225M funds.
In March, Tether assisted the U.S. Secret Service in freezing $23 million tied to transactions on the Russian-sanctioned exchange Garantex, and helped freeze an additional $9 million connected to the Bybit hack. That said, the OFAC designation of Garantex in 2022 provides crucial context for those actions.
To date, Tether has blocked over 3,660 wallets in assisting law enforcement, including 2,100 cases in coordination with U.S. agencies. However, the company says collaboration remains essential to sustain results and support victims of online fraud.
What does the Thai collaboration mean for fighting transnational scams?
Tether’s support in Thailand builds on ongoing partnerships with more than 290 law enforcement agencies across 59 jurisdictions, freezing more than $3.2 billion in assets linked to illicit activity.
Moreover, this Royal Thai Police collaboration strengthens efforts in freezing illicit digital assets, blocking illicit crypto wallets, and advancing a transnational scam network investigation with U.S. Secret Service assistance.
As cross-border operations gain momentum, this tether seizure shows how coordinated policing and real-time blockchain analytics can disrupt online fraud, deter money laundering, and reinforce trust in digital markets.
