The US authorities have announced they have taken control of the crypto funds of three major terrorist financing campaigns. During the operation, they seized around 300 BTC addresses allegedly used to finance terrorist organizations such as ISIS, al-Qaeda and Hamas, The Block has reported.
According to authorities, the operation is the "largest-ever seizure of cryptocurrency in the terrorism context." Chainalysis has said "more than $1 million worth of cryptocurrency recovered from terror finance campaigns and financial facilitators operating unlicensed money services businesses (MSBs)." US Attorney General William Barr said:
"It should not surprise anyone that our enemies use modern technology, social media platforms and cryptocurrency to facilitate their evil and violent agendas. The Department of Justice will employ all available resources to protect the lives and safety of the American public from terrorist groups."
During the investigation it was discovered that terrorists have used Telegram, social networks, two websites, five accounts in anonymous financial institutions, twelve anonymous exchanges and personal addresses to attract funds and conduct operations.
The FBI, the HSI and the IRS-CI have taken part in the operation. According to Chainalysis, many of the addresses traced by the authorities are associated to cryptocurrencies.
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