ETHIOPIAN INVOLVED PEOPLE ARE COUNTERING ACCOUNT RESTRICTION AND LAW ENFORCEMENT — MANY USDT SELLERS ARE FACING RISKS, AND BUYERS SHOULD TAKE CARE FROM THIS

A growing number of Ethiopian traders involved in USDT (Tether) sales and P2P crypto transactions are reporting bank account restrictions, freezes, and increased legal attention. This development follows the government’s expanded crackdown on illegal forex activities and unregulated digital asset trading across the country.

Rising Enforcement on Crypto-Related Transactions

Authorities have intensified their focus on financial behaviors that fall outside regulated banking channels. This includes activities such as:

- Unlicensed P2P crypto trading

- USDT buying and selling at unofficial exchange rates

- Cross-border crypto transfers without National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) approval

- Suspicious transaction patterns resembling hawala systems

As monitoring continues to tighten, many bank accounts connected to digital asset trading are being flagged for risk.

USDT Sellers Are the Most Affected

Numerous USDT sellers have reported sudden account freezes, warnings, and inquiries into the source of their funds.

This typically affects traders who

- Handle large-volume USDT transactions

- Receive many deposits from unrelated individuals

- Mix personal and trading transactions in one bank account

- Facilitate transfers for others (middleman activity)

- Operate at black-market exchange rates

Security agencies now treat these patterns as possible signs of illegal forex operations.

Buyers Are Also Facing Risk

It’s not only sellers who are being impacted. Many **buyers** are also receiving scrutiny, especially when their accounts show:

- Multiple deposits from P2P traders

- Large one-time transfers

- Repeated purchases of USDT above official rates

- Connections to known underground trading networks

Even unintentional involvement can lead to account restrictions or questioning.

How Traders Can Protect Themselves

To reduce the risk of freezes or legal complications, traders should

✔ Keep transaction records

Keep receipts, chat logs, and screenshots to explain account activity.

✔ Avoid unknown or suspicious traders

Work only with verified, trusted individuals.

✔ Separate personal and trading accounts

High-volume activity should not mix with salary or personal savings.

✔ Track all crypto-related movements

Maintain clear documentation for every trade.

✔ Stay informed about regulations

Government policy on crypto trading is becoming stricter.

Bigger Picture: A National Crackdown

Ethiopia has increased monitoring of illegal financial flows to combat

- Forex manipulation

- Money laundering

- Tax evasion

- Unregulated crypto transfers

Because USDT and P2P trading often overlap with these issues, crypto traders are now heavily affected.

What to Expect Going Forward

- More account monitoring

- Possible freezes for high-risk accounts

- Stricter enforcement on unlicensed P2P traders

- Potential new regulations for crypto in Ethiopia

Until regulatory clarity improves, both USDT buyers and sellers in Ethiopia should proceed with caution and ensure all transactions remain transparent and well-documented.