Feds Seize Over Half a Million Dollars in Crypto Donations Intended for Hamas

U.S. authorities have made significant progress in disrupting cryptocurrency fundraising efforts by Hamas, seizing over $560,000 in crypto donations intended for the foreign terrorist group.

The Justice Department announced this week that it took control of website domains and communication platforms used for fundraising and recruitment. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said authorities seized the funds and disrupted Hamas' communications by taking over key infrastructure.

Pirro stated, '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.' Investigators also intercepted the names and identities of thousands of people who tried to send money to Hamas through its military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigade.

The FBI's Albuquerque Field Office Special Agent Justin A. Garris said the seizure of cryptocurrency directly affects the group's capabilities. '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 game-changer,' he stated.

Garris added that investigators believe the $560,000 seizure could be only a fraction of the total funding effort. 'We assess there is more money out there and we're going to do our due diligence to seize those funds also,' he said.