Financial Crime World

Combating Cyber-Enabled Terror Financing: Three Cases Exposed

Introduction

In recent years, terrorist organizations have increasingly turned to cryptocurrency to fund their operations. Law enforcement agencies, including the IRS, HSI, and FBI, have been working together to track down and seize these illicit funds. In this article, we will explore three separate cases of cyber-enabled terror financing campaigns conducted by al-Qassam Brigades, al-Qaeda, and ISIS.

Case 1: Al-Qassam Brigades Campaign

Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, has been using social media to solicit cryptocurrency donations for its terrorist activities. In 2019, the group posted a call for bitcoin donations on its official website, providing video instructions on how to anonymously make donations.

Key Points:

  • Al-Qassam Brigades posted a call for bitcoin donations on its social media page in 2019.
  • The group moved this request to its official websites, offering video instructions on how to donate using unique bitcoin addresses generated for each donor.
  • Law enforcement tracked and seized all 150 cryptocurrency accounts that laundered funds to and from al-Qassam Brigades’ accounts.

Case 2: Al-Qaeda Campaign

Al-Qaeda and affiliated terrorist groups have been operating a bitcoin money laundering network, using Telegram channels and social media platforms to solicit cryptocurrency donations for violent terrorist attacks. Undercover HSI agents communicated with the administrator of a related charity, discussing plans to destroy the United States and the price for funding surface-to-air missiles.

Key Points:

  • Al-Qaeda operated a bitcoin money laundering network using Telegram channels and other social media platforms.
  • The group solicited cryptocurrency donations for violent terrorist attacks.
  • Law enforcement seized assets related to the scheme.

Case 3: ISIS Campaign

ISIS facilitator Murat Cakar managed select ISIS hacking operations and sold fake personal protective equipment via FaceMaskCenter.com. The website claimed to sell FDA-approved N95 respirator masks, but in fact, offered non-FDA-approved items.

Key Points:

  • ISIS facilitator Murat Cakar managed select ISIS hacking operations.
  • Cakar sold fake personal protective equipment via FaceMaskCenter.com.
  • Law enforcement seized the website as well as four related Facebook pages used to facilitate the scheme.

Conclusion

These three cases demonstrate the importance of law enforcement agencies working together to combat cyber-enabled terror financing campaigns and protect national security. By tracking down and seizing illicit funds, we can disrupt terrorist operations and keep our communities safe.