U.S. DOJ Seizes $201K in Crypto Tied to Hamas Wallets

In a March 27, 2025, press release, the DOJ said the funds were intended to finance a terrorist scheme controlled by Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya (Hamas). The investigation found that the assets were associated with $1.5 million money laundering in crypto since October 2024.

USDT forfeiture was based on court-authorized enforcement and announced by U.S. Attorney Edward Martin, Sue Bai from the National Security Division, and FBI Special Agent Raul Bujanda. 

According to the press release, Hamas supporters were encouraged to send donations to 17 identified addresses, which laundered the funds through crypto exchanges and over-the-counter brokers. 

Among the seized assets were cryptocurrency addresses valued at $89,900 and three additional accounts holding $111,500. 

These accounts were registered under the names of Palestinian individuals from Turkey and other regions. 

The US DOJ crypto efforts have been tracking Hamas-related crypto addresses for years. FBI Special Agent in Charge Bujanda said that countering terrorism remains the agency’s number one priority, and they will continue actions to prevent the activities of those organizations.  

Crypto and Counterterrorism: U.S. Moves to Block Hamas Fundraising 

Following the outbreak of the Israel–Hamas war in October 2023, Hamas and its supporters began soliciting cryptocurrency donations globally, attempting to bypass traditional financial systems. 

However, increased scrutiny, public exposure, and coordinated international responses led to the shutdown or disruption of many of these donation campaigns. This reflects a broader trend: while crypto can be attractive to illicit actors for its perceived anonymity, blockchain transparency, and strong enforcement have made it increasingly difficult to operate undetected.
The U.S. has responded with multiple rounds of targeted sanctions aimed at Hamas-affiliated financial exchanges and individuals, including joined actions with the U.K. and Australia to target Hamas financial networks and transfer mechanisms.