# Aban Tether

Type: Company

Source: Legal & RegTech Intelligence Brief — https://getlegalbrief.com/entity/aban-tether
Canonical HTML page: https://getlegalbrief.com/entity/aban-tether

## Timeline

- **2026-08-07**: U.S. Treasury sanctions Shelbit, Kayvanpour, and Aban Tether — OFAC designated the Dubai exchange, its founder, and the Iran-based exchange for providing material support to the IRGC and other designated entities.
- **2026-08-01**: Shelbit website reactivated and denial issued — Shelbit’s previously dormant website went back online; the exchange issued a statement denying knowing involvement in money laundering or sanctions evasion.
- **2026-07-31**: Reuters investigation published — A Reuters report identified Shelbit as the hub of a $4 billion Iranian sanctions evasion network, detailing flows from bitcoin mining and gambling operations.
- **2026-06-02**: Nobitex designated by OFAC — The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Nobitex for enabling Iranian sanctions evasion, following a Reuters investigation.
- **2026-01**: Shelbit claimed cessation of operations — Shelbit later stated it ceased operations in January 2026, though the Treasury alleges activity continued.

## Recent coverage (1 stories)

### U.S. Sanctions Seize $4B Crypto Laundering Ring; Founder at Legal Crossroads
2026-08-08 00:23:09 · Sentiment: Bearish · Impact: 7/10 · Sources: 2

The U.S. Treasury’s sanctions on Dubai-based Shelbit and founder Siavash Kayvanpour mark a significant legal escalation, building on a Reuters probe and targeting IRGC-linked money laundering. The actions highlight expanding OFAC authority over crypto exchanges and raise questions about founder liability and jurisdictional reach.
Full story: https://getlegalbrief.com/story/us-sanctions-4b-crypto-laundering-legal

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