US Seizes $560K in Crypto Donations Meant for Hamas
The U.S. Justice Department has announced the seizure of more than $560,000 in cryptocurrency donations intended for Hamas, a militant group designated as a terrorist organization. The operation aimed to disrupt financing for Hamas' military wing and involved taking control of website domains and communication platforms used for fundraising and recruitment.
The FBI began investigating after identifying a financing network soliciting donations via virtual currency in 2019. A confidential source alerted law enforcement to a Telegram post asking for contributions to an email address associated with Hamas, leading to the seizure of cryptocurrency funds.
FBI Assistant Director Brett Leatherman stated that the bureau will continue to use its authorities to intercept illicit funds and prevent terrorist organizations from exploiting digital networks.