Binance has reportedly fired senior compliance investigators who identified over $1 billion in Iran-related crypto transactions conducted primarily via Tron-based USDT. The dismissals occurred amid a broader restructuring and as the exchange operates under a U.S.-mandated monitor following a 2023 settlement, raising new concerns about its sanctions compliance.
On February 13, it was reported that Binance terminated several senior compliance investigators. These staff members had identified more than $1 billion in transactional flow appearing to be associated with Iranian entities.
The alleged transactions involved the USDT stablecoin on the Tron Blockchain from March 2024 through August 2025. This activity raises significant new concerns regarding the crypto company’s compliance with U.S. sanctions enforced by the Office of Foreign Asset Control.
The layoffs endanger the compliance level of Binance, which authorities in the U.S. are currently monitoring vigilantly. The firm is operating under a compliance monitor mandated by the U.S. as part of a 2023 $4.3 billion settlement related to anti-money laundering controls.
At least five investigators were dismissed in the last quarter of 2025, and several other senior compliance staff have recently left. These changes are part of a larger restructuring effort within the company’s compliance department.
Binance did not provide comments on current investigations but reaffirmed its commitment to abiding by sanctions regulations. “Any employee who violates its internal policies is subject to termination,” the company stated.
The use of Tron-based USDT raises broader questions about regulatory oversight of stablecoin networks. These networks are efficient for settlements but are monitored for potential use in sanctions evasion.
These developments follow a presidential pardon for former CEO Changpeng Zhao, who pleaded guilty. Binance continues to actively recruit for compliance positions despite the internal changes.
