Crypto isn't magic -- indeed, it's vastly more sensitive to state control, since anyone in control over any local part of the network can completely disable the system.
Before anyone says paying criminals for illegal drugs is a victimless crime, remember that a significant portion of the illegal drug trade is run by the cartels and other organized crime organizations which do victimize people.
The real crime here is preventing me from opening my third eye!
Life is extremely tough for legitimate businesses in countries such as Nigeria, due to the government's incompetence (some say active collusion) in dealing with fraud. Banks generally won't touch them, and even if they do, transactions are often delayed for weeks.
I guess you have a bank account, but your bank is under sanctions? How does that help you?
I am interested in there actually being a use-case; but i've never actually encountered one which survives contact with reality.
The third party exchanges resell crypto to other Iranians who want to use it to buy sanctioned digital goods.
It is the widespread use of crypto that makes this possible if it wasn't mainstream then there wouldn't be a difference between getting paid in crypto and a Google Play gift card.
Oh, yes! Of course. Criminals.