US Treasury Targets Iran-linked Crypto Exchanges With Sanctions

WHO:

Cointelegraph - The US government sanctioned an individual and two crypto exchanges.

Techmeme - The sanctioned exchange is Dubai-based Shelbit, which is described as an unlicensed multi-state cryptocurrency exchange.

WHAT:

Cointelegraph - The sanctions were imposed for facilitating money laundering for a combined total of $5 million in digital assets linked to Iran.

Techmeme - Shelbit is alleged to have processed millions of dollars in cryptocurrency for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other Iran-linked groups.

WHERE:

Techmeme - The sanctions specifically target the Dubai-based exchange Shelbit.

WHY:

Cointelegraph - The sanctions were enacted due to the facilitation of money laundering activities linked to Iran.

HOW:

Techmeme - The US Treasury alleges that Shelbit processed millions in cryptocurrency for IRGC and other Iran-linked groups.

(UPDATED August 7, 2026 21:37 UTC)

The US government has imposed sanctions on an individual and two cryptocurrency exchanges, including the Dubai-based Shelbit, which is described as an unlicensed multi-state exchange. These sanctions were enacted for facilitating money laundering activities involving a total of $5 million in digital assets linked to Iran, with Shelbit allegedly processing millions for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other Iran-related groups. The US Treasury has specifically targeted Shelbit due to its involvement in these illicit financial activities.