DOJ Disputed $61 Million Civil Forfeiture Claim in Iran Oil Sale Case

CoinGeek reported that the U.S. Department of Justice sought civil forfeiture of $61 million (approximately 818 billion won) in connection with payments for Iranian oil sales, alleging funds were laundered through cryptocurrency exchange Binance. However, the DOJ clarified that the case involved $61 million in cryptocurrency seized as part of an investment fraud scheme, not oil sale proceeds. The Department stated the funds originated from multiple cryptocurrency wallets used to profit from investment scams. The U.S. Treasury announced it would launch a 'Economic Outcast Operation' targeting Iran's illicit financial network starting August 2026, though no direct link was established between this operation and the $61 million forfeiture claim or Binance.