Yaya Fanusie, an expert in terrorist financing, Jessi Brooks, a former U.S. attorney specializing in national security, and Andrew Fierman, a sanctions strategist, dive deep into the contentious claim that Hamas raised $130 million in cryptocurrency. They dissect the importance of accurate data and the political ramifications of such figures. The trio examines the challenges of regulating crypto to prevent its misuse, while exploring the evolving tactics of terrorist organizations in fundraising. They also discuss the complex role of stablecoins like Tether in this dynamic.
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WSJ Article on Hamas Crypto Fundraising
The Wall Street Journal claimed Hamas raised $130 million in crypto, sparking debate and calls for regulation.
Yaya Fanusie found the figures odd based on his research on terrorist financing and crypto crowdfunding.
insights INSIGHT
Crypto Crowdfunding: A Double-Edged Sword
Public crowdfunding campaigns, while easy to start, are risky and vulnerable to disruption.
They increase the visibility of both the campaign and donors, making them easier to track.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Israeli Asset Seizures
Israeli authorities seized assets from Hamas-linked wallets and potential facilitators.
Some seized funds might have belonged to non-criminal entities mixed with Hamas funds.
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Idealism, Greed, Lies, and the Making of the First Big Cryptocurrency Craze
Laura Shin
The Cryptopians delves into the story of idealists, technologists, and opportunists fighting to bring cryptocurrency to the masses. The book focuses on the founding of Ethereum by Vitalik Buterin and the subsequent crypto fever it created. It introduces readers to larger-than-life characters such as Buterin, Charles Hoskinson, and Joe Lubin, highlighting the personal and professional conflicts that shaped the early days of Ethereum. The narrative explores the booms, busts, and internecine wars within the crypto world, revealing it as a deeply personal struggle to influence the coming revolution in money, culture, and power.
To Die For
Joyce Maynard
The recent Wall Street Journal article that claimed Hamas raised $130 million via cryptocurrency has sparked considerable debate, especially after Sen. Elizabeth Warren used it as her sole source to ask for tighter regulations around crypto. However, the veracity of this claim has come under scrutiny.
Yaya Fanusie, Jessi Brooks, and Andrew Fierman delve into the veracity of reported figures, the methodology behind them, and the subsequent industry responses that sought to correct the public record. They examine the political implications of cryptocurrency, its use in funding organizations, and the nuanced role of stablecoins in this digital economy. Additionally, they address the broader challenges in regulating crypto to prevent illicit funding, emphasizing the need for factual accuracy and a comprehensive approach to understanding and tackling such complex issues.
Unchained 
