The Philippine Nationwide Police (PNP), along with the Anti-Cash Laundering Council (AMLC), confirmed that out of the ₱200 million ransom cash associated to the Anson Que case, they’ve efficiently requested to freeze $79,800 in $USDT.
Now, questions emerged: Can the PNP enlist Tether’s assist to hint and recuperate extra of the ransom tied to the killing of Que?
Fast Background: How Crypto Utilized in Anson Que Case
Throughout a press briefing on the high-profile Anson Que ransom-kidnap-murder case, Philippine authorities uncovered the use of cryptocurrency as a way to launder ransom funds.
The PNP revealed that the ransom cash, amounting to ₱200 million, was funneled via unregistered e-wallets related to on line casino junket operators—9 Dynasty and White Horse—which weren’t licensed with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) or the AMLC. These funds had been then transformed into cryptocurrency and routed via a number of digital platforms, complicating efforts to hint the cash path.
Two domestically licensed digital asset service suppliers (VASPs) had been then subpoenaed in reference to the case. Authorities confirmed that these VASPs cooperated and offered know-your-customer (KYC) info on the concerned accounts.
In distinction, overseas exchanges and unregistered crypto platforms posed challenges resulting from their lack of regulatory oversight and transparency. Regardless of this, with help from a global VASP, round ₱4.5 million ($79,800) price of USDT was efficiently frozen.
Nevertheless, PNP didn’t disclose which worldwide VASP assisted them, nor have they revealed the strategy used to freeze the cryptocurrency.
The Large Query: Can Tether Freeze Different USDT Concerned?
If $USDT is related to illicit actions, Tether has the technical means to freeze tokens instantly on the blockchain. This measure is often carried out in compliance with authorized or regulatory directives.
It ought to be famous that whereas $USDT tokens are minted on a decentralized blockchain, the token itself is issued and managed by Tether. Thus, it has the authority to freeze funds.
Actually, Tether has been working with authorities in a number of nations to freeze $USDT related to unlawful actions. In accordance with the agency, it has collaborated with greater than 235 legislation enforcement businesses worldwide to freeze over $2.5 billion in $USDT linked to terrorism, human trafficking, cash laundering, and cybercrime.
The Historical past: Frozen Wallets and $USDT
Linked to Terrorism and Warfare
In October 2023, Tether froze 32 wallet addresses linked to terrorism and warfare in Israel and Ukraine as a part of its broader efforts to fight crypto-funded crime, working with 31 legislation enforcement businesses throughout 19 jurisdictions and freezing greater than $835 million in property.
SEA-Based mostly Human Trafficking and Romance Rip-off Syndicate
In November 2023, Tether, in collaboration with OKX and the U.S. Division of Justice, froze $225 million in $USDT linked to a Southeast Asia–based mostly human trafficking and romance rip-off syndicate.
Cross-Border Crypto Laundering Ring
In January 2025, the T3 Monetary Crime Unit, a collaboration between TRON, Tether, and TRM Labs, partnered with Spain’s Guardia Civil to freeze $26.4 million linked to a cross-border crypto cash laundering community.
Linked to Sanctioned Garantex
In March 2025, Tether assisted the U.S. Secret Service in freezing $23 million linked to sanctioned Russian change Garantex.
Bybit Hack
Not too long ago, Tether, via the T3 Monetary Crime Unit, helped freeze practically $9 million linked to the record-breaking Bybit hack.
The Backside Line
Tether has the power to freeze $USDT and assist recuperate illicit funds within the PNP’s investigation into crimes involving cryptocurrencies, together with the continuing Que case.
What’s $USDT and Tether?
$USDT (Tether USD) is a stablecoin, a type of cryptocurrency designed to take care of a secure worth by being pegged to a standard forex. Every unit of $USDT is meant to constantly mirror the worth of 1 U.S. greenback.
It’s extensively used within the digital asset ecosystem for facilitating buying and selling, cross-border transactions, and offering a reliable retailer of worth amidst the volatility of different cryptocurrencies like $BTC and $ETH.
$USDT is issued by Tether, a centralized entity that oversees the token’s provide and distribution. The corporate claims that every $USDT is backed by reserves composed of fiat forex and different liquid property to make sure its 1:1 parity with the U.S. greenback.
In 2024, Tether reported its web revenue exceeded $13 billion, pushed by returns from U.S. Treasuries, $BTC, gold, and different investments, bringing its complete group fairness to over $20 billion. An audit performed by BDO confirmed Tether’s This fall efficiency, together with a $7 billion reserve buffer and $113 billion in U.S. Treasury holdings.
This text is revealed on BitPinas: Can Tether Freeze USDT on the Blockchain? Stablecoin at Center of PNP Crypto Chase in Anson Que Ransom Probe
What else is going on in Crypto Philippines and past?
