The Justice Department has dismantled a sophisticated financial network funneling money to Hamas, seizing approximately $201,400 in cryptocurrency in the process. This seizure is part of a larger effort to choke off the financial lifelines sustaining the terrorist organization, which has laundered over $1.5 million in virtual currency since October 2024.

The crackdown targeted Hamas’ cryptocurrency fundraising apparatus, which relied on an encrypted messaging platform to solicit global donations. According to court documents, supporters were directed to contribute funds to at least 17 cryptocurrency addresses. These funds were then funneled into operational wallets and laundered through a complex web of digital transactions, exploiting financial intermediaries and over-the-counter brokers to disguise their origins.

“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,” stated U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia. “Hamas is responsible for the deaths of many U.S. and Israeli nationals, and we will stop at nothing to disrupt their campaign of terror.”

The FBI played a pivotal role in tracking and seizing the illicit funds. “Hamas raised and laundered more than a million dollars to support its terrorist operations, but through our investigation, we traced and seized these funds,” said Assistant Director David J. Scott of the FBI Counterterrorism Division. “Disrupting their financial networks is one of the many tools we use in the fight against terrorism.”

Among the assets confiscated were cryptocurrency addresses valued at approximately $89,900, along with three additional accounts holding digital currency worth $111,500. These accounts, registered under the names of Palestinian individuals residing in Turkey and other locations, highlight the international scope of Hamas’ fundraising operations.

“Countering terrorism remains the FBI’s number one priority. By successfully disrupting access to funds, we weaken their ability to function,” emphasized Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “This success demonstrates that financial warfare is a critical component of the fight against terrorism. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect the American people and deprive terrorist organizations of the resources they need to continue their illicit activity.”

The FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office led the investigation, working in tandem with the FBI Counterterrorism and Cyber Divisions.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)