US Authorities Seize $560,000 in Cryptocurrency and Dismantle Hamas Recruitment Network
2 sources across 2 countries · Argentina · Israel
Who reported this
- Infobae
- The Jerusalem Post
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- Centre-left
- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
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The United States Department of Justice and the FBI have seized $560,000 in cryptocurrency and dismantled a network used by Hamas for fundraising and recruitment. According to the Department of Justice, the seized funds and the disrupted communication platforms and websites were controlled by the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas. The operation involved the FBI's Albuquerque Field Office and the use of human sources to identify and seize domains and servers, including the website AlQassam.ps.
Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of the FBI's Cyber Division stated that Hamas utilized cryptocurrency and online platforms to solicit global donations and move funds outside the formal financial system. The Department of Justice explained that the network operated via an encrypted communications chat group that directed followers to a fundraising website and provided rotating cryptocurrency addresses for donations.
US Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro stated that the operation sends a message to Hamas that its networks are not secure and its cryptocurrency is vulnerable. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg added that these seizures deprive the organization of resources used to radicalize individuals online and finance attacks such as the one on October 7, 2023. Additionally, the FBI reported obtaining information on thousands of individuals who contacted Hamas online to attempt donations, which will be used in future counterterrorism operations.
How each side framed it
- Centre-right
- Outlets of this lean framed the event as a strategic blow to Hamas's financial infrastructure and a warning against the use of digital assets for terrorism.
Sources
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