Tether and UNODC Launch Joint Effort to Fight Crypto Crime and Protect Vulnerable Communities

Highlights:

• Tether and UNODC have partnered to fight against crypto-related crimes in Africa.
• The partnership aims to protect vulnerable communities, such as victims of human trafficking.
• The joint efforts will include education programs on cybersecurity targeting African youths.

World’s largest stablecoin issuer, Tether, has partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The stablecoin issuer announced the strategic move in a press release on January 9, noting that it focuses on fighting crypto-related crimes and protecting vulnerable communities. 

Over the years, Africa’s crypto space has experienced significant growth. Despite opening up new opportunities, digital assets come with many risks. Across Africa, scammers have stolen roughly $260 million, according to an Interpol report, underscoring the need to enhance the security of digital assets in the region.

Tether said it will support the UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Africa 2030 through its latest partnership. Both parties aim to improve peace and safety by strengthening the security of online spaces. Additionally, blockchain technologies will be leveraged to reduce exposure to crypto crimes, expand access to safe digital finance, and provide support to victims of human trafficking. 

Tether and UNODC Partnership Goals

According to the press release, Tether and UNODC’s collaboration will cover three key projects spanning Africa and beyond. The first is the Senegal project that will focus on young people. They will learn basic cybersecurity skills through a multi-stage program and a bootcamp. This includes a session from the Plan B Foundation, a united effort between Tether and the City of Lugano. Aside from the learning sessions, participants will gain access to grants that will help them turn their ideas into real projects.

The second project will span across Africa. It will support selected civil society groups that work directly with victims of human trafficking. Some of these groups operate in Senegal, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Uganda. Lastly, outside Africa, the partnership will be active in the Pacific region. 

In Papua New Guinea, Tether and UNODC will collaborate with the University of Papua New Guinea and the University of the Solomon Islands to educate students about financial access and how to avoid digital asset scams. Additionally, a student competition will be conducted to encourage simple blockchain ideas that support safe finance and crime prevention. 

Top Executives Share Insight

Tether’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Paolo Ardoino, said helping victims of human trafficking and stopping abuse requires strong cooperation like the one between Tether and UNODC. “Through our collaboration with the UNODC, we’re backing initiatives that combine innovation and education to empower communities and help create safer, more inclusive opportunities for those who need them most,” the CEO added.

Sylvie Bertrand, UNODC’s Regional Representative for West and Central Africa, noted that digital assets can support Africa’s growth if integrated safely into its economy. She called for better partnerships between the United Nations, private companies, and local government.

The Regional Representative stated:

In related news, Crypto2Community reported that Tether partnered with Rumble to launch a new non-custodial crypto wallet inside the Rumble platform. The new wallet allows viewers to tip creators using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), USDT, and Tether Gold (XAU₮). Separately, the stablecoin issuer launched Scudo, a new method of measuring value within Tether Gold. Scudo will serve as a smaller unit to reduce the complexities associated with decimal transactions.