FBI Busts Hamas Crypto Trail, Seizes Over $560,000 And Takes Down Online Fundraising

The FBI has seized more than $560,000 in cryptocurrency intended for Hamas as the US Justice Department announced a major crackdown on the group’s online fundraising and recruitment network.

The operation, announced by the Justice Department on September 1, involved the court authorised seizure of cryptocurrency, along with the takeover of website domains and servers allegedly controlled by Hamas’ military wing, the Al Qassam Brigades. Authorities also disrupted communication platforms used to raise money and recruit supporters online.

Investigators said they obtained information on thousands of individuals who had contacted Hamas online in an attempt to donate cryptocurrency or provide financial support through traditional channels. The FBI said the information could be used in future counterterrorism investigations.

US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said the operation was designed to undermine Hamas’ ability to exploit digital platforms and cryptocurrency for financing. “Your networks are not secure, your crypto is vulnerable,” Pirro said, warning that US authorities would continue targeting the group’s financial infrastructure.

According to FBI affidavits, Hamas began experimenting with cryptocurrency fundraising around early 2019, using the Qassam Brigades to solicit donations through Telegram and other online platforms. Investigators said the group promoted virtual currency as a means of making transactions harder to trace, while associated websites provided instructions for making anonymous donations.

A significant breakthrough came last year when FBI investigators identified a cryptocurrency financing network seeking donations for the Qassam Brigades. A confidential US source subsequently alerted authorities to a Telegram post soliciting contributions through an email address linked to Hamas.

The latest operation builds on earlier US efforts to track Hamas’ digital finances. In March 2025, the Justice Department announced the seizure of approximately $201,400 in cryptocurrency linked to Hamas, after tracing funds through wallets and accounts used in an alleged laundering network.

The Justice Department said the latest action had three major components: seizing cryptocurrency, taking control of online infrastructure used for fundraising and recruitment, and gathering intelligence on potential donors.

FBI Cyber Division Assistant Director Brett Leatherman said the bureau would continue using its authorities to intercept illicit funds and prevent terrorist organisations from exploiting digital networks and cryptocurrency to finance their operations.