Ukraine Places $8.3M in Seized USDT Under State Management
Ukraine has placed over $8.3 million in seized Tether (USDT) under state management for the first time, transferring the funds from wallets linked to an alleged international hacking group. The National Agency for Finding, Tracing, and Management of Assets (ARMA) now controls the stablecoin, which was valued at over 372 million Ukrainian hryvnias. Prosecutors say the hacking group attacked individuals and companies across Europe and the US, stealing data, demanding ransoms, and laundering money through Ukrainian real estate and cars, causing over $100 million in damage. Four suspects remain in custody, and total seizures exceed $11.1 million. The transfer follows a 2025 reform law that overhauled ARMA's management of seized property, including independent audits and tighter oversight, a condition for EU support. The move stops short of confiscation, which requires a conviction. USDT's stability near $1 avoids price swings, but Tether can freeze tokens at law enforcement request. Ukraine has not decided whether to sell or hold the assets, a choice that may set precedent for future seizures.
Key facts
- Ukraine transfers over $8.3M in seized USDT to state agency ARMA for management.
- Funds linked to an international hacking group that caused over $100M in damages.
- Four suspects remain in custody; total seizures exceed $11.1M including property.
- 2025 reform law enables ARMA to manage seized crypto with independent audits.
- USDT's stability near $1 avoids volatility but Tether can freeze tokens on request.