Tether, the issuer of the stablecoin USDT, has blasted the findings of a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime study which ignore the stablecoin’s “role in helping developing economies in emerging markets.” According to Tether, the stablecoin’s use of public blockchains means every transaction is trackable, making it “an impractical choice for illicit activities.”
Developing Economies Neglected by the Global Financial World
Tether, the issuer of the stablecoin USDT, has criticized the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) study for singling out the stablecoin’s use in illicit activities. Tether argues that the UNODC report ignores the stablecoin’s “role in helping developing economies in emerging markets.” According to the stablecoin issuer, the global financial world often neglects these markets because “servicing such communities would be unprofitable.”
In its statement on Jan. 15, Tether rebuffed the UNODC assessment of USDT, stating that its collaboration with global enforcement agencies ensures “unparalleled monitoring” of the tokens. The use of public blockchains makes every tether transaction trackable thus making USDT “an impractical choice for illicit activities.”
As reported by Bitcoin.com News, the UNODC’s study also found USDT at the heart of many pig butchering scams. Jeremy Douglas, the UNODC’s regional representative for Southeast Asia, asserts that criminals use the stablecoin because they are aware that crypto-related regulations “are way behind illicit activity.”
Tether, however, counters the study’s findings by pointing to the freeze of tokens worth over $300 million in the past few months. For Tether, this act is proof of its commitment to eradicating the criminal use of cryptocurrencies. Meanwhile, the stablecoin issuer said it takes issue with what it sees as the UNODC’s bias against USDT.
“The UN’s analysis ignores the traceability of Tether tokens and the proven record Tether has of collaborating with law enforcement. Rather than focusing solely on risks the UN should also discuss how centralized stablecoins can improve anti-financial crime efforts,” the stablecoin issuer said.
Tether also urged the UNODC to consider working with the industry because doing so will help it “understand and execute modern strategies to fight financial crime.” Instead of attacking the stablecoin, the UNODC should instead consider engaging in a collaborative dialogue with the stablecoin issuer, Tether added.
What are your thoughts on UNODC’s findings against USDT? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
