Public-private collaboration against crypto crime halts $300M, demonstrating that technology and cooperation can disrupt illegal activities

Europol report.>

The international crackdown on crypto-related financial crime is gaining momentum, as law enforcement agencies and private companies join forces to freeze illegal funds and tackle advanced blockchain exploitation. T3 FCU, a collaborative effort between

, , and TRM Labs, has blocked more than $300 million in illicit assets since its inception in September 2024, representing a major achievement for public-private cooperation. The group has aided investigations in 23 regions, including Brazil’s Operation Lusocoin, which seized R$3 billion in assets tied to a crypto-powered money laundering ring, according to Live News.

These initiatives underscore the expanding importance of blockchain analytics in disrupting illegal activities. Europol’s European Financial and Economic Crime Centre (EFECC) has cautioned that crypto-related offenses are becoming more sophisticated, with offenders employing complex layering tactics and privacy-oriented digital currencies to avoid detection. Chainalysis projects that $40.9 billion in unlawful crypto was received in 2024, highlighting the magnitude of the issue, as also referenced in the Europol report.

T3 FCU’s achievements are rooted in real-time cooperation with global law enforcement. In Brazil, the team helped freeze 4.3 million USDT connected to the same laundering scheme, earning official commendation from the Brazilian Federal Police. Comparable actions in the U.S. and Europe resulted in $83 million in assets being frozen, with the U.S. and Spain among the primary beneficiaries of the collaboration. T3 FCU has also tackled hacks linked to North Korea, such as the Bybit case, which saw $19 million frozen, according to Blockonomi.

The increase in so-called "wrench attacks"—physical robberies targeting crypto owners for their private keys—has made enforcement even more challenging. France documented 16 such cases in 2024, leading to calls for greater public awareness about secure key management and the use of multi-signature wallets, as the Europol report points out.

Collaboration between the public and private sectors is viewed as essential for countering these emerging risks. Paolo Ardoino, CEO of T3 FCU, stated that blockchain technology "drives transparency and security," while Justin Sun of TRON described the $300 million figure as "evidence that real progress is made when technology, organizations, and individuals unite." The initiative has also broadened its network with the T3+ Global Collaborator Program, naming Binance as its inaugural official partner.

Burkhard Mühl, head of Europol’s EFECC, highlighted the importance of unified blockchain analytics and international training to boost investigative effectiveness. Diana Pătruț from the Blockchain Intelligence Professionals Association (BIPA) remarked that inconsistent practices and the absence of universal definitions for crypto crimes slow advancement, urging for joint standards between industry and government, as mentioned in the Europol report.

As crypto-related crime continues to change, enforcement tactics must also adapt. T3 FCU is prioritizing AI-powered analytics and instant monitoring to anticipate illegal transactions before they are finalized, while Europol’s SIENA platform strengthens intelligence sharing among its members. These steps are crucial for sustaining confidence in digital currencies as they become more integrated into traditional finance.