# USA Sanctions BitBank Over Payments Related to Hormuz Strait Passages

**Category:** Regulation  |  **Source:** U.S. Department of the Treasury (OFAC)  |  **Published:** 2026-09-23  |  **Updated:** 2026-09-27

**Tags:** OFAC, BitBank, Iran, Hormus, Sanktionen, Kryptowährung, IRGC, Schifffahrt, Compliance, Logistik News, Transport News, Fracht News, Speditions News, Supply Chain News, Zoll News, Frachtportal News, Seefracht, Digitalisierung

> OFAC adds BitBank and other parties to sanctions list. Focus on cryptocurrency payments and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

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The USA has imposed new sanctions against an Iranian cryptocurrency network. At the center is the cryptocurrency exchange BitBank.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury, or OFAC – Office of Foreign Assets Control – accuses BitBank of being part of a digital infrastructure for sanctions evasion. According to the Treasury, BitBank is said to have processed payments related to secure maritime passages through the Strait of Hormuz.

Additionally, the software developer Pishtaz Simorgh Electronic Trade Company and several individuals have been sanctioned. The Treasury also reports large cryptocurrency transfers directed to the IRGC, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

For logistics professionals, this case is particularly relevant because it directly brings together shipping, payment processing, and sanctions.

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When dealing with sanctioned parties, it is not sufficient to only check the sender and recipient. Banks, payment service providers, platforms, and beneficial owners can also be relevant.

The same applies to payments in crypto. Anyone working with Iran-related connections requires thorough sanctions compliance screening.

In short: Sanctions no longer affect only goods and vessels – they now also impact payment methods related to transportation.

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OFAC sanctioned BitBank on September 17, 2026.

Pishtaz Simorgh Electronic Trade Company was also sanctioned.

Additionally, several individuals connected to Babak Zanjani were listed.

Treasury designates BitBank as part of a digital sanctions evasion infrastructure.

The agency cites payments related to Hormuz Strait passages.

Treasury reports hundreds of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency transfers.

This matter directly affects sanctions screening and payment processing.

## Related Entities

### Countries

- [United States of America](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/us)
- [Iran](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/ir)

### Glossary

- [Logistician](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/logistician)
- [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/strait-of-hormuz)
- [export control](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/export-control-2)
- [sanctions list](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/sanctions-list)
- [OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/ofac-office-of-foreign-assets-control)
- [Sanctions Evasion](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/sanctions-evasion)
- [Trade Compliance](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/trade-compliance)
- [Sanctions](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/sanctions)
- [Cryptocurrency](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/cryptocurrency)

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