DOJ Seizes $560K in Crypto Donations Intended for Hamas
The United States Department of Justice has seized $560,000 in cryptocurrency donations intended for Hamas. The funds were intercepted by authorities who also took control of website domains and communication platforms used for fundraising and recruitment.
According to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, the seizure directly impacts the group's ability to resupply their military and recruit new members. 'Your networks are not secure, your crypto is vulnerable, and we will not stop until your ability to wage war is defeated for once and for all,' she said.
The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, began testing virtual currency fundraising in 2019 by soliciting donations on its Telegram channel before shifting to its official websites. The group boasted that bitcoin donations were untraceable and would be used for violent causes.
FBI Agent Justin Garris stated that the seizure of cryptocurrency can degrade the group's capabilities, saying 'Our teams' ability to take that cryptocurrency degrades their ability to resupply their military as well as recruit new members into the military. It's a gamechanger.'