OFAC Sanctions - Data Source

Website	https://sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov/
Category	Threat Intelligence

The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) publishes a list of cryptocurrency addresses associated with sanctioned individuals, entities, and groups. These addresses are linked to ransomware operations, state-sponsored hacking, narcotics trafficking, and money laundering activities. We display OFAC sanctions data on Bitcoin address lookup pages on hashxp.org to flag addresses that are under US government sanctions.

Source:OFAC Sanctions

What is the OFAC Sanctions List?

OFAC administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions on behalf of the US government. Since 2018, OFAC has included cryptocurrency addresses in its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, which identifies individuals and entities whose assets US persons are required to block. Any transaction involving a sanctioned address creates legal compliance obligations for US-based financial institutions and businesses.

The sanctioned cryptocurrency addresses span multiple blockchains and are associated with a range of threat actors:

Ransomware groups - Payment addresses used by groups like Lazarus Group, SamSam, and others to collect ransom payments
State-sponsored actors - Addresses linked to North Korean (DPRK), Iranian, and Russian government-affiliated cyber operations
Darknet markets - Addresses associated with operators and administrators of illegal marketplaces
Money laundering - Mixing services and addresses used to launder proceeds of cybercrime
Narcotics trafficking - Cryptocurrency addresses tied to drug trafficking organizations

Each designation includes the address, the blockchain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc.), and the associated SDN entry identifying the sanctioned person or entity. OFAC updates the list as new designations are made and occasionally removes entries when sanctions are lifted.

The legal implications are significant. US persons who transact with sanctioned addresses may face civil or criminal penalties. Cryptocurrency exchanges and financial institutions are required to screen transactions against the OFAC list and block or reject transactions involving sanctioned addresses.

How We Use This Data

On hashxp.org Bitcoin address lookup pages, we check whether a queried address appears on the OFAC sanctions list. If it does, we display a clear sanctions indicator along with the associated SDN designation. This helps users identify addresses that carry legal compliance risks.

For blockchain analysts and compliance teams, this is critical information. Receiving funds from a sanctioned address, even unknowingly, can trigger reporting obligations. Our integration of OFAC data lets users quickly check whether an address they are interacting with has been designated by the US Treasury.

We import the full OFAC cryptocurrency address list into our database and update it as new designations are published. The data covers Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, though Bitcoin addresses are the most commonly designated.

FAQ

Does receiving Bitcoin from a sanctioned address mean I violated sanctions?

Unintentional receipt of funds from a sanctioned address does not automatically constitute a violation, but it does create compliance obligations. US persons should not further transact with or facilitate transactions involving sanctioned addresses. If you discover you have received funds from a sanctioned address, consult with a compliance professional. Exchanges typically freeze such funds and file reports with OFAC.

Why are specific cryptocurrency addresses sanctioned instead of just the people behind them?

Sanctioning specific addresses makes enforcement practical on public blockchains. While the individuals behind the addresses are also sanctioned, adding the addresses themselves to the SDN list allows exchanges and compliance tools to automatically screen transactions. The pseudonymous nature of cryptocurrency means the address is often the most identifiable element, and blockchain analysis can trace funds flowing through sanctioned addresses to connected wallets.

Are sanctioned addresses still active on the blockchain?

The blockchain itself does not enforce sanctions. Transactions to and from sanctioned addresses can still be recorded on the blockchain. However, regulated exchanges and financial institutions block transactions involving these addresses, making it difficult for sanctioned entities to convert cryptocurrency to fiat currency through legitimate channels. Some sanctioned addresses continue to receive funds, which are tracked by blockchain analysis firms and law enforcement.