Chainalysis Challenges $95M ICE Contract With TRM Labs

Blockchain analytics company Chainalysis has sued the United States government over an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) decision to award a sole-source contract to competitor TRM Labs. 

On July 27, Chainalysis Government Solutions filed the challenge in the US Court of Federal Claims. The relevant motion became publicly accessible through CourtListener’s RECAP archive on Sunday. 

A federal award notice values the contract at about $94.6 million and says it covers forensic software and support services for Homeland Security Task Force investigations. The one-year award runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. 

Chainalysis alleged that ICE’s decision was “arbitrary, capricious, and unreasonable.” It said it had submitted a capability statement in response to ICE’s notice of intent to obtain forensic software and support services from TRM. 

Both companies provide blockchain analytics tools that government agencies use to trace cryptocurrency transactions and investigate crime. 

According to the motion, the complaint remains under seal because it contains Chainalysis’ confidential and proprietary information and trade secrets. The court granted Chainalysis permission to maintain the complaint under seal on July 31.

TRM intervened in the case on July 28. The court has scheduled responses from the government and TRM for Friday and oral argument for Sept. 2. The government requested a decision by Sept. 10. The public filings do not detail Chainalysis’s specific objections or requested remedy. 

TRM Labs declined to comment. Chainalysis and ICE did not respond to requests for comment before publication. 

Magazine: Data of 54,000 wallet users leaked, CLARITY odds just 10%: Hodler’s Digest

Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently.