What's happened
The FBI has seized cryptocurrency linked to Hamas’ fundraising and disrupted its online platforms. Authorities have also taken control of domains and platforms used for fundraising and recruitment, and gathered information on thousands who attempted to donate.
What's behind the headline?
In-depth analysis
- The operation signals a shift in how authorities attack terrorist finance online. The FBI has demonstrated capability in tracing crypto and seizing digital infrastructure used for fundraising.
- This raises questions about the resilience of digital fundraising networks and whether off-ramps exist that can be blocked in real time.
- The sustained focus on online platforms suggests future enforcement will increasingly target domains, servers, and communications channels used by militant groups.
- Readers should consider how digital currencies change traditional funding trails and what new compliance measures may emerge for crypto platforms.
Key takeaways
- Financiers leveraged untraceable narratives and Telegram channels; authorities countered with domain seizures and wallet takedowns.
- The case underscores ongoing cyber-law enforcement collaboration across agencies to disrupt terrorist financing networks.
How we got here
Investigators traced Hamas’ fundraising to 2019, with the Qassam Brigades directing crypto donations through Telegram and other online channels. A coordinated operation seized crypto assets in three waves and shut down key websites to intercept funds.
Our analysis
New York Post reports seizures of roughly $560,000 in cryptocurrency across three operations in 2025 and the offline seizure of AlQassam.ps domains. AP News confirms control of fundraising domains and platforms and cites FBI affidavits on 2019 testing of virtual currency fundraising. Independent corroborates the same details and adds statements from U.S. attorney Jeanine Pirro.
Go deeper
- What steps can individuals take to avoid inadvertently supporting illicit fundraising online?
- How will crypto platform policies evolve in response to these seizures?
- What will be the next milestones in the FBI’s counter-financing efforts?
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Jeanine Pirro - American television host
Jeanine Ferris Pirro is an American television host and author, and a former New York State judge, prosecutor, and politician. Pirro is the host of Fox News Channel's Justice with Judge Jeanine.
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United States - Country in North America
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Hamas
Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.