The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has recognized the T3 Financial Crime Unit (T3 FCU) as a leading example of effective public-private collaboration in combating illicit activity across blockchain networks, according to a report published on January 8.
In its latest publication, the global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing watchdog pointed out T3 FCU’s ability to operate across jurisdictions, monitor transactions in real time, and support law enforcement agencies in identifying and disrupting criminal networks.
The FATF said the initiative demonstrates how coordinated action between the public and private sectors can strengthen financial integrity in the rapidly evolving digital asset ecosystem.
T3 FCU Launched by TRON, Tether, and TRM Labs
T3 FCU is a joint initiative launched in September by TRON DAO, Tether, and TRM Labs. Designed as a first-of-its-kind operational partnership, the unit works directly with law enforcement agencies worldwide to trace, restrain, and disrupt illicit activity involving blockchain-based assets.
Since its launch, T3 FCU has frozen more than $300 million in criminal assets across five continents, according to the partners. The unit has also established rapid-response capabilities to address emerging threats, demonstrating how industry collaboration can scale enforcement efforts while supporting blockchain innovation.
Transaction Monitoring and Asset Freezes at Scale
The FATF notes that T3 FCU “is designed to expand public-private collaboration to combat illicit activities on the blockchain,” emphasizing its role in supporting investigations across multiple jurisdictions.
The report said that since September 2024, the unit has analyzed millions of transactions globally, monitored more than $3 billion in total transaction volume, and supported the freezing of over $250 million in illicit assets.
Shift Toward Real-Time Interdiction Models
“FATF’s recognition of the T3 Financial Crime Unit reflects a real shift in how illicit finance on public blockchains is being addressed,” said Ari Redbord, vice president and global head of policy and government affairs at TRM Labs.
“Criminal networks move fast, and effective responses have to move faster. T3 was built to enable rapid identification, seizure, and disruption of illicit activity through coordinated action, not just information sharing,” Redbord added.
In a recent blog post examining FATF’s asset-recovery guidance, TRM Labs pointed to a shift away from traditional post-investigation recovery models, which it said are increasingly ineffective for fast-moving virtual assets.
Implications for Global Financial Integrity
The FATF’s recognition positions T3 FCU as an industry-first operational model for how blockchain-based systems can reinforce global financial integrity.
TRON DAO said the acknowledgment shows its commitment to responsible blockchain adoption and effective financial crime prevention as regulators continue to evaluate the role of public blockchains in the global financial system.
Expanding Cooperation
In August 2025, T3 FCU launched the T3+ Global Collaborator Program, with Binance joining as its first official member to enhance cross-border information sharing and global enforcement coordination.
Later in October, T3 FCU and T3+ members participated in the 9th Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptocurrencies in Vienna, co-hosted by Europol and the Basel Institute on Governance.
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