Unchained How Much Money Are Terrorists Actually Raising in Crypto? - Ep. 570
Nov 14, 2023
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.
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.
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.
