The US Treasury Department has sanctioned eight cryptocurrency wallet addresses linked to the Russian exchange Garantex and the Houthi movement in Yemen. This action follows blockchain forensic evidence that connected nearly $1 billion in funds to Houthi operations, most of which supported their activities in Yemen and the Red Sea region. Slava Demchuk, a money laundering expert, indicated that this inclusion emphasizes the recognition of cryptocurrency’s role in geopolitical conflicts and terrorism financing, highlighting the need for adaptable compliance frameworks and increased scrutiny on decentralized platforms. The Houthis, known as Ansar Allah, are involved in ongoing conflicts, threatening regional stability and global maritime trade. Garantex, the Russian exchange, was shut down for allegedly facilitating money laundering operations, and its founder was arrested under US conspiracy charges. Garantex's situation illustrates the evolving regulatory landscape in cryptocurrency, pushing the industry firmly within the scope of international security.

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