DOJ Slams Door on Hamas with Crypto Seizure
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has made a significant move against Hamas, seizing over $560,000 in cryptocurrency and taking control of websites and servers allegedly used by the group to collect donations and recruit supporters online.
According to the DOJ, the seized funds were part of an investigation into fundraising infrastructure associated with Hamas' military wing, the Al Qassam Brigades. Court-authorized seizures allowed the FBI to take cryptocurrency from addresses promoted through an encrypted group chat and a fundraising website.
The DOJ noted that the action targeted individuals who tried to give money to Hamas, and that the information obtained would be used in future counterterrorism work.
US Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro described it as 'a massive blow' to Hamas, saying 'Your networks are not secure, your crypto is vulnerable, and we will not stop until your ability to wage war is defeated.'