U.S. Officials Seize Cryptocurrency Accounts Tied to al-Qaeda and ISISAgents recouped about $2 million worth of virtual currency in total.

US authorities have dismantled financing campaigns for three terrorist organizations, which included "the government's largest-ever seizure ofcryptocurrencyin the terrorism context," according tothe Department of Justice. The Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation were involved in the operation against the al-Qassam Brigades (Hamas's military wing), al-Qaeda andISIS.

The DoJ asserts the al-Qassam Brigadessolicited Bitcoin donations through social mediaand its websites. Agents from the IRS, HSI and FBI were able to seize 150 cryptocurrency accounts tied to the group. Individuals based in the U.S. who allegedly donated to them were subject to criminal search warrants, while the District of Columbia U.S. Attorney's Office has laidmoney laundering chargesagainst two Turkish individuals linked to those fundraising efforts.

According to another forfeiturecomplaint, al-Qaeda and affiliates used Telegram and other social media channels to solicit Bitcoin donations. In some cases, the groups allegedly pretended to act as charities. Agents uncovered 155 cryptocurrency accounts linked to that terrorism fundraising campaign.

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As for ISIS, someone tied to the group allegedly ran aCOVID-19protective gear scam. Murat Cakar, who the DoJ describes as "an ISIS facilitator," was selling phonyN95 respirator masksand other protective equipment through a website, according to a complaint. One US-based customer tried to buy gear for hospitals, nursing homes and fire departments. Officials seized that site, along with four related Facebook pages.

In total, agents recouped about $2 million worth of cryptocurrency, according to theNew York Times.Once the case is concluded, the Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund may receive some or all of the seized funds. Officials also blacklisted some private crypto wallets said to contain millions of dollars more in virtual currency, which will make it harder for account owners to cash out those funds through financial institutions.