US Seizes $560,000 in Crypto Donations Intended for Hamas
The US Department of Justice has seized over $560,000 in cryptocurrency donations intended for Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization. According to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, authorities intercepted thousands of people who attempted to send money to Hamas through cryptocurrency platforms.
Pirro announced on social media that the seizure was part of an ongoing investigation into Hamas' fundraising and recruitment activities. She stated that by taking control of key infrastructure, including website domains and communication platforms, they were able to directly intercept funds intended for the Al-Qassam Brigade, Hamas' military wing.
The FBI began investigating Hamas' use of cryptocurrency in 2019, when the group started soliciting donations on its Telegram channel. The investigation found that Hamas boasted about using Bitcoin donations as untraceable and intended for violent causes.
FBI Special Agent Justin A. Garris stated that seizing cryptocurrency can significantly impact a group's capabilities, degrading their ability to resupply and recruit new members. He noted that authorities have been aggressive in their pursuit of Hamas' funding efforts over the past 18 months and plan to continue working with international partners to disrupt their operations.