US Seizes $560K in Crypto Donations Meant for Hamas
Federal authorities have seized over $560,000 in cryptocurrency donations intended for Hamas, disrupting the foreign terrorist group's fundraising and recruitment efforts. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, announced the seizure on social media, stating that investigators also intercepted the names and identities of thousands of people who tried to send money to the group.
According to FBI affidavits, Hamas began testing virtual currency fundraising in 2019 by soliciting donations on its Telegram channel before shifting to its official websites. The group's military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigade, boasted that Bitcoin donations were untraceable and would be used for violent causes.
The seizure of cryptocurrency can directly affect the group's capabilities, said Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Albuquerque Field Office. '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 said.
Authorities believe the $560,000 seizure could be only a fraction of the total funding effort, with Garris stating 'We assess there is more money out there and we're going to do our due diligence to seize those funds also.'