Through SHPS Shelbit, a company based in the Republic of Georgia, he operates the Shelbit Exchange. Wilson has repeatedly raised concerns over Iran’s alleged influence in Georgia and accused the Georgian Dream of pro-Iranian stances. The U.S. sanctions came weeks after the European Union included four Georgia-based crypto-related service platforms in its 21st package of sanctions against Russia. Three of the platforms had previously been sanctioned by the UK over what London described as “Russia-focused exchanges seeking to evade sanctions.” Following the EU sanctions, the National Bank of Georgia said the sanctioned platforms were not subject to its regulation, in a statement similar to its latest clarification regarding Shelbit.