US Seizes Over $560K in Crypto Donations Meant for Hamas
The US Justice Department announced that it has disrupted Hamas's fundraising and recruitment network online. The operation involved the seizure of over $560,000 in cryptocurrency donations meant for the group.
Hamas began testing virtual currency fundraising in or around early 2019 through its Qassam Brigades, or military wing. The group sought donations on its Telegram channel and also used direct online fundraising.
The FBI affidavits filed in connection with the seizures stated that Hamas officials claimed the currency would be untraceable, and their websites gave instructions on how to make anonymous donations.