- DOJ filed a forfeiture case for $584,741 in USDT linked to Iranian drone supplier Mohammad Abedini.
- Investigators tied Abedini’s navigation systems to a 2024 drone attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. service members.
- Blockchain forensics enabled tracing of funds in unhosted wallets, showing growing focus on dual-use technology financing.
The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a civil forfeiture case seeking to seize $584,741 in cryptocurrency linked to an Iranian businessman accused of supplying navigation systems for military drones. The funds, stored in an unhosted digital wallet, are allegedly tied to Mohammad Abedini or his company, San’at Danesh Rahpooyan Aflak Co. (SDRA).
DOJ Seeks Forfeiture of USDT
According to court filings , the wallet held assets in Tether (USDT). Prosecutors say Abedini’s company provided the Sepehr Navigation System to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force. Between 2021 and 2022, nearly all sales of the system were made directly to the IRGC.
In January 2024, investigators linked the technology to an Iranian Shahed drone which carried out a strike in Jordan. Those were the three U.S. service members who died and over 40 who were injured as a result of that attack. The military stated that the drone was controlled according to the SDRA navigation equipment. In December 2024, Abedini was indicted on charges of providing material support to a labeled terrorist group. In that month he was arrested by Italian authorities, but was later freed. He is thought to be in Iran at present.
U.S. prosecutors emphasized that law permits the forfeiture of assets used to finance or support terrorist activity. The action was filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, with support from the National Security Division.
Tracing Digital Assets and Focus on Dual-Use Technology
Although unhosted wallets operate without intermediaries, investigators rely on blockchain forensics to link transactions to identified actors. Specialized firms monitor inflows and outflows at exchange points where digital assets convert to fiat or move between accounts. This case reflects how such methods can connect funds to sanctioned individuals.
Officials said the seizure demonstrates the ability to target financial resources even when individuals remain outside U.S. jurisdiction. Court documents describe SDRA’s role in producing equipment with applications in both civilian and military sectors. Investigators placed particular emphasis on navigation systems incorporated into drones and missiles. The U.S. has prioritized monitoring financial transfers linked to exports of dual-use technology that could enhance foreign weapons programs.
Authorities said closer coordination with international partners is now essential for monitoring crypto transfers tied to sensitive exports. While Abedini remains outside reach, prosecutors intend to pursue further forfeiture actions when digital assets are connected to security threats. Officials reiterated that all criminal charges remain allegations. Abedini, like any defendant, is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
