FBI seizes over $560,000 in crypto meant to fund Hamas
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The FBI seized more than $560,000 in cryptocurrency donations intended for Hamas, the Justice Department said Tuesday. The department also took control of website domains and communication platforms used for fundraising and recruitment. The operation disrupted a years-long financing network for the group's military wing.
Key Facts
- The FBI seized more than $560,000 in cryptocurrency intended for Hamas, the Justice Department said Tuesday.
- The Justice Department also took control of website domains and communication platforms used by Hamas for fundraising and recruitment.
- Hamas began testing virtual currency fundraising in early 2019 through its Qassam Brigades, according to FBI affidavits.
- FBI officials identified a financing network soliciting donations to the Qassam Brigades via virtual currency last year.
- U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Hamas's networks are not secure and its crypto is vulnerable.
Seizure and Disruption
The FBI seized more than $560,000 in cryptocurrency donations intended for Hamas, the Justice Department said Tuesday. The department also took control of website domains and communication platforms used for fundraising and recruitment. The operation obtained information about thousands of people who had contacted Hamas with a goal of giving money to the group. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said in a video statement that Hamas's networks are not secure and its crypto is vulnerable.
Hamas Fundraising Methods
Hamas began testing virtual currency fundraising in or around early 2019 through its Qassam Brigades, according to FBI affidavits. The group solicited donations on its Telegram channel and used direct online fundraising. Hamas officials bragged that the currency would be untraceable, and their websites offered instructions for making anonymous donations. A major investigative break came last year when FBI officials identified a financing network soliciting donations to the Qassam Brigades via virtual currency. A confidential source in the United States alerted law enforcement to a Telegram post asking for contributions to an email address associated with Hamas.
Law Enforcement Response
FBI Assistant Director Brett Leatherman said the bureau would continue to intercept illicit funds and prevent terrorist organizations from exploiting digital networks. Hamas officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
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