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

WASHINGTON (AP) – The FBI has seized more than $560, 000 in cryptocurrency donations intended for Hamas, the Justice Department remarked Tuesday in announcing a disruption of financing for the militant group.

What happened

Along with seizing cryptocurrency meant to backing Hamas' military wing, the department stated that it had taken control of website domains and communication platforms applied for fundraising and recruitment, and had obtained information concerning thousands of individuals who had contacted Hamas with a goal of giving capital to the group.

"My message to Hamas is clear: your networks are not secure, your crypto is vulnerable, and we will not stop until your ability to wage war is defeated, " Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, remarked in a video statement announcing the operation.

According to FBI affidavits filed in connection with the seizures, Hamas began testing virtual currency fundraising in or around early 2019 through its Qassam Brigades, or military wing, and solicited donations on its Telegram channel and additionally employed direct online fundraising. Hamas authorities bragged that the currency would be untraceable and their websites offered instructions for how to produce anonymous donations, the affidavits say.

The bottom line

Taken together, the developments around justice Department seizes more than $560, 000 in cryptocurrency donations for Hamas point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.