US Seizes Over $560K in Crypto Donations Meant for Hamas

The United States Department of Justice has seized over $560,000 in cryptocurrency donations meant for Hamas, the militant group's military wing. The funds were taken as part of a disruption of financing operations.

Hamas began testing virtual currency fundraising around early 2019 through its Qassam Brigades and solicited donations on its Telegram channel. According to FBI affidavits, officials bragged that the currency would be untraceable and provided instructions for making anonymous donations.

A major investigative break came last year when an FBI confidential source in the United States alerted law enforcement to a Telegram post asking for contributions to an email address associated with Hamas.

FBI Assistant Director Brett Leatherman stated that the bureau would continue to intercept illicit funds and prevent terrorist organizations from exploiting digital networks.