The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has seized approximately $201,400 in cryptocurrency linked to Hamas, as part of an ongoing investigation into financial transactions involving digital assets. According to the DOJ, the operation uncovered a money laundering network that moved over $1.5 million in virtual currency since October 2024.
Crypto Laundering Scheme Uncovered
Court documents reveal that Hamas supporters used an encrypted platform to distribute at least 17 cryptocurrency addresses for fundraising. The funds were then laundered through exchanges and brokers before being transferred into operational wallets. The seized assets were held in accounts registered to Palestinian individuals in Turkey and other locations.
Authorities view this seizure as a critical step in restricting illicit financial networks. “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 activities,” said U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr.
FBI Leads Effort to Disrupt Crypto-Based Funding
The operation was led by the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, in collaboration with the Counterterrorism and Cyber Divisions. FBI Special Agent Raul Bujanda emphasized the importance of disrupting unauthorized crypto transactions, stating that financial seizures like this limit the ability of groups to operate.
Prosecutors from the DOJ’s National Security Division are currently handling the case, marking another significant move by U.S. authorities to regulate illicit crypto financing.
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