The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global watchdog for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, has highlighted the T3 Financial Crime Unit (T3 FCU) as a leading example of effective public-private cooperation in combating illicit activity on blockchain networks. In a report published on January 8, 2026, FATF pointed to the unit's cross-jurisdictional operation, real-time transaction monitoring, and direct support for law enforcement as a model for the industry.
The T3 FCU is a joint initiative launched in September 2024 by TRON DAO, stablecoin issuer Tether, and blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs. Designed as an operational partnership, it moves beyond traditional compliance by focusing on early detection and rapid intervention, shifting away from slower, post-crime asset recovery models. According to FATF and the partners, since its inception, the unit has analyzed millions of transactions globally, monitored over $3 billion in total transaction volume, and supported the freezing of hundreds of millions of dollars in suspected criminal assets across multiple continents, with specific figures cited as over $250 million and more than $300 million.
"FATF’s recognition of the T3 Financial Crime Unit reflects a real shift in how illicit finance on public blockchains is being addressed," said Ari Redbord of TRM Labs. "Criminal networks move fast, and effective responses have to move faster. T3 was built to enable rapid identification, seizure, and disruption of illicit activity through coordinated action."
The recognition is seen as a significant validation for TRON DAO's push toward responsible blockchain adoption and closer regulatory engagement. More broadly, FATF's assessment suggests that collaborative enforcement models like T3 FCU could influence how regulators view public blockchains, positioning them as infrastructure that can support global financial integrity. The initiative has since expanded its cooperation, launching the T3+ Global Collaborator Program in August 2025 with Binance as its first official member to enhance cross-border information sharing.
