Tether, UN Target $1T Crypto Crime Risk as USDT Use Surges Across Nigeria
Stablecoin issuer Tether is now teaming up with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime to give cryptocurrency security a much-needed shot...
Quick overview
- Tether is partnering with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime to enhance cryptocurrency security in Africa, particularly in Nigeria where USDT usage is surging.
- The collaboration aims to combat rising crypto-related scams and improve trust in digital financial systems by leveraging blockchain analytics and regulatory expertise.
- Key objectives include enhancing investigative tools for tracking illicit transactions, supporting victims, and promoting information sharing among African nations.
- This initiative highlights the importance of balancing innovation in digital assets with the need for robust security measures as stablecoins gain traction in emerging markets.
Stablecoin issuer Tether is now teaming up with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime to give cryptocurrency security a much-needed shot in the arm across Africa. This move comes as USDT usage is really accelerating in Nigeria. Not by chance, this alliance is a response to the growing unease among regulators and key industry players that digital financial assets, while obviously expanding access to finance, are also creating all sorts of new opportunities for scammers and cyber crooks.
Nigeria has become one of the world’s biggest markets for stablecoins, largely driven by volatile currency, demand for remittances, and the need for reliable digital payment options. With all that in mind, the Tether-UNODC partnership aims to strike a balance between innovation and stronger safeguards for users who increasingly rely on blockchain-based finance daily.
Tether and UNODC Step Up Crypto Safeguards
According to a joint announcement, Tether will work closely with UNODC to support Africa-focused initiatives under the organization’s Strategic Vision for Africa 2030. The whole point is to address the rising number of crypto-related scams and reinforce trust in digital financial systems.
The partnership will be focusing on bringing together blockchain analytics, regulatory expertise, and law enforcement cooperation to curb illicit activities. Africa has seen a real explosion in crypto adoption over the past five years. Still, the truth is that limited regulatory capacity has left many users vulnerable to scams.
Key objectives of the collaboration include:
- Improve the tools that investigators use to track down illicit crypto transactions
- Build better frameworks for helping out victims and getting them their money back
- Get African nations to share more information about regulatory best practices across the board
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino made the point that security needs to be able to keep up with adoption – and that stablecoins are playing a much more central role in emerging markets as we go along. The regional leaders at UNODC basically agree with this view, highlighting how digital assets are both a chance to boost the economy and a major law enforcement headache.
Tether minted $1B #USDT for their treasury today. 🏦
This is mid-term #bullish as it creates the "dry powder" needed for the next leg up.
Once whales and market makers swap their #USD for this liquidity, the fuel hits the order books.
Watch the sidelines, money is moving.… pic.twitter.com/9d2cV2DIEb
— PA Koala C (@pakoalac) January 9, 2026
Nigeria Drives Africa’s USDT Growth
Nigeria is at the heart of this whole initiative. With the naira under significant inflationary pressure and capital controls in place, loads of Nigerians are turning to USDT as a sensible alternative for everyday money – whether for savings, payments, or just transferring money to friends.
Tether has actually described the stablecoin as part and parcel of everyday life in Nigeria for a while now – from remittances to commerce to peer-to-peer transactions. The reason that USDT is so appealing to Nigerians is its stability – it’s pegged to the US dollar, so it’s a much more stable place to store value than, say, Bitcoin or Ether. Recently, USDT traded at just $0.999, which is pretty close to its peg and shows how low its volatility really is.
Some of the most common uses of USDT in Nigeria include:
- Sending money abroad at a lower cost than before
- Paying for e-commerce and online services
- Keeping some of your money safe while the naira is going through a rough patch
Security – The Pillar of Crypto Expansion
This partnership also shows just how central Tether’s long-term plan is to really stepping up its global presence. While the company is of course still looking to expand into other sectors outside of finance, this move shows just how important credibility and compliance are going to be to its future success – and that’s reflected in the company’s own investment ambitions.
As you go forward, stablecoins are going to become more and more embedded in emerging economies – and it’s going to be a big challenge for industry leaders to balance innovation with public safety. For the biggest crypto markets in Africa – Nigeria in particular – the success of this partnership could literally make or break the digital asset scene.
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