US Prosecutors Probe Binance Over Alleged Iran-Linked Sanctions Breaches

U.S. federal prosecutors are investigating whether Binance knowingly allowed Iran-linked trading on its platform in violation of U.S. sanctions, Bloomberg reported on September 22, 2026. The Manhattan U.S. attorney's office is leading the inquiry, with the Justice Department's criminal division in Washington also involved. The transactions under scrutiny were not specified, and investigations can close without charges. Binance said it maintains a "zero-tolerance policy for sanctions violations" and cooperates with law enforcement. The exchange pleaded guilty nearly three years ago to banking and sanctions violations, paid $4.3 billion, and accepted two monitors; co-founder Changpeng Zhao stepped down, served four months, and was pardoned by President Donald Trump. Reports in February 2026 alleged internal investigators found over $1 billion flowing to Iran-linked entities before being dismissed. Binance disputed the figures, saying at most $126.1 million reached Iran-linked wallets and $24.1 million reached IRGC-related wallets. Senator Richard Blumenthal opened an inquiry, and Manhattan prosecutors later sought forfeiture of $61 million tied to Iranian oil sales laundered through Binance.