U.S. Targets Hamas Crypto Operations, Seizing $200,000

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) reportedly intercepted and seized approximately $200,000 in cryptocurrency linked to Hamas’ fundraising operations.

According to the DOJ report today (Thursday), the operation followed months of investigation that concluded that Hamas laundered over $1.5 million in cryptocurrencies through a network of online transactions.

Crypto-Fueled Fundraising Exposed

Hamas supporters reportedly used an encrypted communication platform to share at least 17 cryptocurrency addresses where sympathizers could donate funds. These contributions were then funneled into an operational wallet and laundered through various virtual currency exchanges with the help of suspected financiers and over-the-counter brokers.

The U.S. government’s intervention cut off a major revenue stream for the organization, effectively blocking these assets from further circulation.

“These seizures show that this office will search high and low for every cent of money going to fund Hamas, wherever it is found, and in whatever form of currency,” said U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia. “Hamas is responsible for the death of many U.S. and Israeli nationals, and we will stop at nothing to stop their campaign of terror and murder.”

Justice Department Disrupts Hamas Terrorist Financing Scheme Through Seizure of Cryptocurrency🔗: https://t.co/oEG6Ps4Lbz pic.twitter.com/wB5HVAJd8A

Among the assets seized were cryptocurrency addresses valued at approximately $89,900 and three accounts holding an additional $111,500. These accounts, registered under Palestinian individuals based in Turkey and other locations, were identified as key nodes in Hamas’ financial web.

Financial Warfare Against Terrorism

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tejpal Chawla, along with attorneys from the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section and Counterterrorism Section. Their work continues to focus on tracking, seizing, and dismantling financial structures that fuel terrorism.

With the rise of digital currencies, terrorist organizations have increasingly turned to cryptocurrency as a means of funding their operations. However, as this case demonstrates, law enforcement agencies are rapidly developing the tools necessary to trace, freeze, and seize illicit funds, cutting off financial support for extremist activities.

In 2020, the US government reportedly managed to seize millions of dollars from a number of groups that had been using crypto to fund the activities of Hamas. Hamas affiliates had reportedly been asking for Bitcoin donations since at least 2019.