Sanctions Evasion 2.0: Unpacking the Role of Cryptocurrency in North Korea and Iran's External Trade Relations

This study delve into various ways through which cryptocurrency is being used for sanctions evasion, specifically in relation to the external trade relations of North Korea and Iran. The paper seeks to contribute to understanding the ways decentralized digital currencies support illicit financial activities via the use of a quantitative research methodology which involves an examination of official reports, policy documents, academic work and investigative journalism. The study is based on the intersectionality of state power, financial sovereignty and digital innovation in a multipolar world and based on the Theory of Realism and Constructivism. Analysis also shows that North Korea spends billions of cryptocurrencies every year stealing and laundering money with state-sponsored cybercrime, primarily through the Lazarus Group. At the same time, Iran is adopting a more institutionalized approach by legalizing crypto mining, guiding revenue towards the Central Bank and sanctioning entities taking advantage in trading with crypto exchanges and crypto mixers. Lastly, the study shows that the anonymity and border lessness of digital assets make them a problem to enforce globally and undermine traditional sanctions regimes. To further enhance the latter, it encourages international cooperation on crypto regulation, blockchain analytics capabilities, and addressed tailored sanctions on crypto service providers that aid in obfuscation. In order to solve the two challenges of technological innovation and illicit finance, a harmonized legal framework is needed.