The United States Justice Department announced that it has disrupted a cryptocurrency-based financing scheme aimed at supporting the activities of Hamas, through the court-authorized seizure of digital assets valued at over $201,400. The funds, held in wallets and accounts, were traced to Hamas fundraising addresses allegedly used to launder more than $1.5 million in virtual currency since October 2024.
The action was revealed by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the Albuquerque Field Office.
According to court documents, an encrypted group chat claiming affiliation with Hamas provided supporters with rotating cryptocurrency addresses, encouraging donations to fund the organization. These funds were funneled into operational wallets and laundered through a series of virtual currency exchanges involving suspected financiers and brokers. Authorities said over $1 million was raised and moved through this system.
“Hamas is responsible for the deaths of many U.S. and Israeli nationals, and we will use every legal tool at our disposal to stop their campaign of terror and murder,” U.S. Attorney Martin said. “These seizures demonstrate our resolve to cut off funding sources for terrorist groups, regardless of their form.”
Sue J. Bai emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to dismantling Hamas networks, while FBI Special Agent Bujanda underscored the significance of targeting financial resources as a key measure in combating terrorism.
Among the seized assets were cryptocurrency holdings valued at $89,900 across specific addresses, and additional accounts containing $111,500 in virtual currency registered to individuals in Turkey and other locations.
Shogun Lin
