US Seizes $560,000 in Crypto Donations Intended for Hamas

U.S. authorities have seized over $560,000 in cryptocurrency donations intended for Hamas, disrupting the group's fundraising and recruitment efforts.

The Justice Department announced that it had taken control of website domains and communication platforms used by Hamas to solicit donations, including its Telegram channel and official websites.

Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, began testing virtual currency fundraising in 2019, boasting that Bitcoin donations were untraceable and would be used for violent causes.

The seizure of cryptocurrency can directly affect Hamas' capabilities, according to Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Albuquerque Field Office.