Justice Department seizes more than $560,000 in cryptocurrency donations for Hamas

The FBI seized over $560,000 in cryptocurrency donations meant for Hamas, according to the Justice Department. This announcement came on Tuesday, marking a significant disruption to the militant group's financing. The seizure targeted not only cryptocurrency intended for Hamas' military wing, but also the group's websites and communication platforms used for fundraising and recruitment.

The department also obtained information about thousands of individuals who had attempted to donate money to Hamas. In a video statement, Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, vowed to continue disrupting Hamas' networks and financial capabilities. FBI affidavits revealed that Hamas had been testing virtual currency fundraising since early 2019, primarily through its Qassam Brigades and Telegram channel.

The group provided instructions for making anonymous donations on its websites, emphasizing that the currency would be untraceable. A major breakthrough occurred last year when FBI officials identified a financing network soliciting donations to Hamas via virtual currency, and a confidential source in the U.S. alerted law enforcement to a Telegram post requesting contributions via a Hamas-associated email address.

Brett Leatherman, the FBI assistant director in charge of its cyber division, pledged continued efforts to intercept illicit funds and prevent terrorist organizations from exploiting digital networks for their operations.