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FBI seizes $560,000 in Hamas cryptocurrency and digital infrastructure
The FBI has seized more than $560,000 in cryptocurrency intended for the Al Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the operation involved more than just the confiscation of digital assets; federal agents also took control of website domains and communication platforms used by the group for both fundraising and recruitment.
Investigators utilized information from multiple human sources to map the organization's digital infrastructure. This allowed the FBI to track rotating cryptocurrency addresses and intercept the fundraising mechanism itself. Affidavits indicate that Hamas began testing virtual currency fundraising around early 2019, utilizing encrypted group chats and Telegram channels to solicit donations while claiming the transactions were untraceable.
In addition to the financial seizure, authorities obtained information regarding thousands of individuals who had contacted Hamas online to offer donations. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that the operation serves as a warning that the group's digital networks and cryptocurrency channels are vulnerable to law enforcement intervention.
Entities
Al Qassam Brigades · Department of Justice · FBI · Hamas · Jeanine Pirro · U.S. Department of Justice
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Investigators obtained information regarding thousands of individuals who contacted Hamas online to donate via cryptocurrency. www.thethinkingconservative.com · www.theyeshivaworld.com · legalinsurrection.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Hamas began testing cryptocurrency fundraising through its Al Qassam Brigades around early 2019. www.thethinkingconservative.com · www.theyeshivaworld.com · legalinsurrection.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Authorities seized website domains and communication platforms used by Hamas for fundraising and recruitment. www.criptotendencias.com · www.it-boltwise.de · www.thethinkingconservative.com · www.theyeshivaworld.com · legalinsurrection.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The FBI used human informants to map the Hamas fundraising operation from the inside. www.cryptopolitan.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that Hamas's networks and cryptocurrency are vulnerable. www.thethinkingconservative.com · www.theyeshivaworld.com · legalinsurrection.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] The FBI seized more than $560,000 in cryptocurrency intended for Hamas. www.criptotendencias.com · www.it-boltwise.de · www.thethinkingconservative.com · www.cryptopolitan.com · www.theyeshivaworld.com · +1 more