DOJ Confiscates $201K of Crypto Tied to Hamas
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) confiscated about $201,400 worth of cryptocurrency that was tied to the terrorist organization Hamas. The move is part of a sweeping investigation into online finance networks that facilitate support for global terrorism. Authorities revealed that since October 2024, the targeted network had laundered more than $1.5 million worth of virtual currency through encrypted messaging applications and unregulated exchanges.
Encrypted Money Laundering and Messaging Channels
Court records indicate that Hamas supporters employed at least 17 separate cryptocurrency addresses via encrypted messaging to solicit public donations. The funds flowed through a complex money laundering network comprising both lawful exchanges and illicit brokers before Hamas agents accumulated them in wallets. The decentralized space of crypto made tracking difficult but not impossible, authorities said.
Global Scope of the Crackdown
The funds from the cryptocurrency were maintained in Palestinian citizen of Turkey and other foreign destination-related accounts. The freeze is part of a broader crackdown on the foreign infrastructure financing Hamas. “Hamas is guilty of murdering numerous American and Israeli citizens, and we will use every legal tool at our disposal to stop their reign of terror and murder,” U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., stated.
FBI: Disrupting Hamas’ Financial Infrastructure
FBI Special Agent Raul Bujanda called the seizure a “critical step” in cutting off Hamas’ operational funding. “Removing access to these resources severely impacts their ability to coordinate attacks and support terrorist activities,” he said. The FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office led the operation alongside its Counterterrorism and Cyber Divisions.
DOJ’s National Security Division Leads Case
The Department of Justice’s National Security Division is handling the case. Authorities highlighted the growing threat of virtual assets for criminal use and reaffirmed America’s determination to dismantle these networks. As terrorists adapt to technology, federal agencies are upgrading their efforts to track and freeze digital assets.
