US News
US Justice Department seizes over $560,000 in cryptocurrency intended for Hamas
Federal authorities also took control of domains and communication channels linked to fundraising for the group's military wing.
The short version
- The FBI seized upwards of $560,000 in virtual currency donations earmarked for Hamas and its military wing, the Qassam Brigades.
- Federal investigators took over associated website domains and communication platforms used for recruitment and fundraising.
- US law enforcement acquired data on thousands of prospective donors following an investigation aided by an informant.
- Authorities have not announced criminal charges against individual donors identified in the seized records.
Key facts
- The Justice Department and FBI seized more than $560,000 in cryptocurrency donations intended to fund Hamas.[Associated Press]
- Federal authorities seized control of website domains and digital communication channels used by Hamas for recruitment and fundraising campaigns.[Associated Press]
- Law enforcement obtained records identifying thousands of individuals who contacted Hamas aiming to contribute funds.[Associated Press]
- According to FBI affidavits, Hamas began experimenting with cryptocurrency fundraising around early 2019 via its military wing, the Qassam Brigades.[Associated Press]
- The investigation accelerated after a US-based confidential source alerted law enforcement to a Telegram post soliciting donations via an email address tied to Hamas.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unstated whether the Justice Department plans to file criminal charges against the thousands of individuals identified as attempting to donate.[Associated Press]