DOJ reviews Binance 2023 settlement over Iran sanctions concerns
Image: AMBCryptoThe US Department of Justice is reviewing whether Binance complied with its 2023 $4.3 billion settlement with US authorities. The review focuses on possible post-settlement violations of US Iran sanctions. In September 2026, the DOJ filed a civil forfeiture action seeking $61 million in digital assets tied to the suspected flows, with Binance not named as a defendant. Binance states it maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sanctions violations and offboards suspicious accounts. Founder Changpeng Zhao pleaded guilty in 2023 and paid a $50 million fine as part of the original settlement.
Key points
- The review centers on possible post-settlement violations of US Iran sanctions
- DOJ filed a September 2026 civil forfeiture action for $61 million in related digital assets
- Binance was not named as a defendant in the forfeiture action
- The 2023 settlement included a three-year DOJ anti-money laundering monitorship for Binance
Why it matters
If Binance is found to have breached its 2023 settlement, it may face additional fines or stricter compliance rules. The investigation increases Binance's existing regulatory challenges in the US and Europe.
What's unclear
Whether the DOJ will find Binance breached its 2023 settlement terms
Whether the alleged $850 million in Babak Zanjani-linked transactions is included in the current DOJ review
Sources · 3 publishers
CoinCentral
Tier 3
DOJ Reopens Binance Probe Over Alleged Iran Sanctions Breaches
AMBCrypto
Tier 2
DOJ reviews Binance’s $4.3B settlement from 2023 amid Iran sanctions concerns
Coverage timeline
- First reported by Crypto Briefing
- Confirmed by CoinCentral
- CryptoVideos brief published
How this brief was made. Our system found this event in 3 independent publications, summarised two complete reports with AI and checked every number above against the source text. Sources are linked in full. Not financial advice. Report an error
