Trump's Crypto Firm Linked to Sanctioned Global Networks

Donald Trump’s World Liberty Financial (WLFI) has come under scrutiny for alleged transactions with entities linked to North Korea, Iran, and Russia, as well as connections to sanctioned money-laundering platforms. A report by government watchdog Accountable.US reveals that WLFI tokens were sold to users associated with the North Korean Lazarus Group, Iran’s NoBitex exchange, and a Russian sanctions-evasion tool (A7A5). These transactions occurred amid broader concerns about the Trump family’s expanding crypto empire, which now accounts for 73% of the president’s net worth. Critics argue the dealings create a “channel for corruption and foreign influence,” with potential risks to national securityAccountable.US. *Trump Crypto Venture Sold Tokens to North Korea, Iran-Linked Entities*.^[1].

The report highlights specific transactions: a $10,000 WLFI purchase by “Shryder.eth” on Inauguration Day, linked to 55 transactions with a Treasury-sanctioned Lazarus Group wallet. Another user bought 3,500 tokens while depositing over $26,000 on NoBitex, Iran’s largest crypto exchange, and controls a pro-Iran social media account. Additionally, WLFI sold 10,000 tokens to a user tied to A7A5, a Russian ruble-backed tool whose creators were sanctioned in August 2025. The venture also sold tokens to 62 users linked to Tornado Cash, a mixing service used to launder $1 billion in illicit assets, after the Trump administration lifted Biden-era sanctions on the platformAccountable.US. *Trump Crypto Venture Sold Tokens to North Korea, Iran-Linked Entities*.^[1].

WLFI’s token unlock in September 2025 further amplified concerns. The Trump family’s 22.5 billion WLFI tokens were valued at $5 billion based on a post-unlock price of $0.21. This followed a $2.4 billion personal gain from crypto ventures since 2022, including $243 million from UAE-linked deals and $1.3 billion from Trump Media and Technology Group’s Bitcoin holdings. The token’s market capitalization briefly reached $7 billion on its debut, making it the 31st-largest crypto assetCNBC. *Trump’s World Liberty Token Falls in First Day of Trading*.^[2]. Critics, including lawmakers like Elizabeth Warren, warn that the lack of transparency in Trump’s crypto dealings could facilitate conflicts of interest, with potential foreign actors seeking influenceThe New Yorker. *Trump’s Crypto Ventures and National Security Risks*.^[3].

The Trump administration’s regulatory rollbacks have exacerbated concerns. A $2 billion deal between WLFI and MGX (backed by the UAE) to fund a Binance exchange transaction has drawn ethics scrutiny. The New York Times noted that WLFI’s operations “eviscerate the boundary between private enterprise and government policy,” with the Trump family controlling 75% of revenue from token sales. The White House maintains that Trump’s assets are held in a trust managed by his children, asserting no conflicts of interestWikipedia. *World Liberty Financial Controversies*.^[4].

Watchdog groups and lawmakers have called for congressional action. Accountable.US executive director Tony Carrk urged legislation to prevent leaders and their families from profiting from digital assets, while the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) warned of “unprecedented opportunities for buying influence.” The Trump family’s crypto ventures, including a memecoin and a Bitcoin mining company, have faced criticism for blurring ethical lines. A recent hack of Iran’s Nobitex exchange—linked to WLFI users—further highlighted risks, as the platform has facilitated transactions with Hamas and IRGC-affiliated actorsAccountable.US. *Trump Crypto Venture Sold Tokens to North Korea, Iran-Linked Entities*.^[1].

The Trump administration’s response remains defensive. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed allegations as “irresponsible,” emphasizing the family’s “legitimate” crypto business model. Meanwhile, WLFI’s public debut on Nasdaq and its stablecoin USD1—pegged to U.S. treasuries—have bolstered its veneer of legitimacy. However, critics argue these moves mask the core issue: a lack of safeguards against foreign influence in a sector central to U.S. financial policyThe Atlantic. *Trump’s Crypto Philosophy and Legitimacy*.^[5].