FBI Seizes $200K in Crypto Linked to Hamas Terror Funding

- Hamas Cryptocurrency Funds of $200,000 Seized - FBI Intercepts Terror Funds Through Cryptocurrency Tracking [Unblock Media] The U.S. Department of Justice recently announced the seizure of over $200,000 in cryptocurrency in an investigation related to Hamas's terror funding activities. This operation was led by the Albuquerque branch of the FBI in cooperation with federal law enforcement agencies like the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and HSI (Homeland Security Investigations), aiming to block the flow of terror funds through digital currency. According to the investigation, the funds were distributed through a total of 17 cryptocurrency wallets, with suspicions pointing to about $1.5 million worth of funds being laundered. Criminals primarily used mixing services and anonymous wallets to conceal the flow of funds, making the money trail difficult to trace. While the transaction history of cryptocurrencies is recorded on the blockchain, offering high transparency, the anonymity of users makes them susceptible to criminal misuse. They are increasingly utilized in illegal activities through the dark web, ransomware crimes, and money laundering, showcasing this case as a representative example. In response, law enforcement agencies are enhancing their capabilities to track cryptocurrency-based money flows and cooperating inter-agency to effectively tackle complex digital crimes. The Albuquerque branch of the FBI stated, "This seizure would not have been possible without the cooperation of other federal agencies," underscoring the importance of information sharing and joint operations among agencies. Meanwhile, major countries including the United States and South Korea are accelerating the implementation of stricter legal regulations regarding cryptocurrencies. In the U.S., discussions are underway between the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) and the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) to coordinate regulatory authority, with expectations that a clear legal framework will enhance market stability. South Korea plans to impose a monthly reporting obligation on overseas virtual asset transactions starting in 2025. This case illustrates how the technical advantages of cryptocurrencies can be exploited for illegal money flows and highlights the urgency of appropriate legal and institutional responses in the digital asset era.