Evergreen Reporter

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced the disruption of a terrorist financing scheme benefiting Hamas, through the seizure of approximately $201,400 in cryptocurrency. The funds were traced back to fundraising addresses allegedly controlled by Hamas, used to launder more than $1.5 million in virtual currency since October 2024.

This action was disclosed by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., Sue J. Bai of the Justice Department's National Security Division, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office.

Court documents allege that a group chat affiliated with Hamas provided supporters with at least 17 changing cryptocurrency addresses to which donations were made. These funds were channeled into an operational wallet and laundered using virtual currency exchanges and transactions through suspected financiers and brokers. Over $1 million was reportedly raised and laundered using this method.

"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," stated U.S. Attorney Martin. He added that these seizures highlight the determination of the Justice Department to stop funds flowing to the group.

Sue J. Bai mentioned that, under Attorney General Pam Bondi's directive, the Justice Department is devoted to dismantling Hamas using every tool available.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Bujanda emphasized that "countering terrorism remains the FBI’s number one priority." He added that disrupting access to these funds weakens Hamas's operational capabilities, and financial warfare is crucial in fighting terrorism.

The seized assets included cryptocurrency addresses valued at around $89,900 and three other accounts containing approximately $111,500 in cryptocurrency. These accounts were registered to individuals in Turkey and other locations.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI's Albuquerque Field Office, in collaboration with its Counterterrorism and Cyber Divisions. The case is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tejpal Chawla, Trial Attorney Jacques Singer-Emery, and Trial Attorney Jessica Joyce.