The U.S. Treasury Department again sanctioned the crypto mixer Tornado Cash. The Treasury “redesignated” Tornado Cash as a sanctioned entity, overtly alleging that North Korea used the crypto mixing service to support the weapons of mass destruction (WMD) program.
OFAC stated Tuesday it would delist and designate the privacy tool on allegations that North Korea has laundered over $100 million worth of crypto via Tornado Cash to support its WMD program including the development of ballistic missiles
The redesignation holds on to the fact that the crypto mixer has supported illicit cyber-enabled activity originating from outside the US. Specifically, the Treasury stated that Lazarus Group used Tornado Cash in March to move $455 million in stolen cryptocurrencies.
Apart from this, the Treasury also sanctioned two individuals connected to Air Koryo, North Korea’s state-owned airline. Though both matters are not directly related, they are part of the Treasury’s efforts to defund North Korea’s weapons programs.
While the Treasury is redefining the sanctions, the crypto advocacy non-profit fund filed a lawsuit against the OFAC over Tornado Cash sanctions.
