Imagine money that's only online, called cryptocurrency. Countries that the US government has put under sanctions (like punishments) used a lot of it last year! This is a story about how cryptocurrency is used in surprising ways.
- Countries under sanctions received almost $16 billion in cryptocurrency in 2024.
- This was because of things like trade and getting money around the rules.
- Iran used a lot of cryptocurrency, but many ordinary people used it too, to protect their money.
- A special online tool called Tornado Cash helps hide where money comes from. It was used a lot, even after the US tried to stop it.
| Fact | Number |
|---|---|
| Total crypto received by sanctioned countries | $16 billion |
| Percentage of illicit crypto transactions | 39% |
| Percentage of Tornado Cash inflow from stolen funds | 24% |
Some people worry that cryptocurrency helps bad guys. Others think it helps people in countries with problems. It's a complex situation!
