Israel’s authorities continue their efforts in order to clamp down on individuals and companies supposedly related to funding terrorism. In the latest example, they seized just over $800,000 in digital assets from such a firm.
- According to a recent local report, Defense Minister Benny Grantz has signed the order for the seizure.
- The coverage indicated that the total amount was NIS 2.6 million (worth approximately $840,000) in undisclosed crypto assets.
- The funds were reportedly connected to the al-Mathaddon exchange, which belongs to the Malach Family. Some resources claim that the latter has deep connections to Hamas in Gaza.
- This is the second similar seizure of cryptocurrencies in the past few months after Gantz oversaw the confiscation of 150 digital wallets also belonging to al-Mathaddon.
- Unnamed sources reportedly said that the company had enhanced its operations following the assassination of Hamed Ahmed Khundari (also charged for funding terrorism), and the aforementioned funds were on their way to Hamas.
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“We will continue to pursue terrorist funds. The blow to Hamas and the terrorist organization’s ability to circumvent the traditional paths for transferring funds, through digital currency, is an important tool in the developing security system.” – commented Gantz.
- Previously, Israel’s Authority for Combating Terror Financing and Money Laundering said it plans to impose new regulations on some digital financial products, including cryptocurrencies. It aims to diminish the use of crypto in criminal activities and terrorist fundings.