US Seizes $560k in Crypto Donations Meant for Hamas Militants

US authorities have seized over $560,000 in cryptocurrency intended for Hamas's military wing. The Justice Department announced Tuesday that it had disrupted financing for the militant group.

The FBI took control of website domains and communication platforms used for fundraising and recruitment, as well as gathered information on thousands of people who contacted Hamas with plans to donate money.

According to FBI affidavits, Hamas started testing virtual currency fundraising in early 2019 through its Qassam Brigades. The group solicited donations via Telegram and direct online fundraising, boasting that the cryptocurrency would be untraceable.

FBI officials identified a financing network last year after a confidential source alerted them to a post asking for contributions to an email address associated with Hamas.