US Sanctions Hamas-Linked Network Accused of Moving Over $2 Million Through Charities and Crypto

The United States has sanctioned five individuals and linked companies for allegedly assisting Hamas in moving more than $2 million through charitable fundraising and cryptocurrency transactions. The US Treasury Department announced the action on Friday, targeting a Gaza-based member of Hamas’ military branch, two French persons, and two organisations believed to gather and transport funds to the group.

According to the Treasury Department, the network worked for several years, raising funds for Hamas through claimed humanitarian groups and digital currency. The penalties are part of a larger US-led campaign to undermine the group’s financial activities and target individuals accused of giving financial assistance.

US Sanctions Hamas-Linked Individuals Over Alleged $2 Million Network

The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) identified Saleem Abdallah Saleem al-Zaq, a Gaza-based deputy battalion member of Hamas’ military arm, as one of the key figures in the alleged finance network. He is suspected of directing financial transactions to Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades using money service businesses and cryptocurrency wallets.

The Treasury Department further stated that al-Zaq worked as a photojournalist in Hamas’ media office and attended official events where he was spotted with senior Hamas officials. Authorities suspect that he assisted in the coordination of fundraising activities and routed funds raised through French-based NGOs.

The sanctions also target Faouzi Barika and Amel Oualid, both of whom live in France. The US Treasury accused them of running charities to collect funds ostensibly intended for humanitarian aid to Gazan citizens.

According to the department, Barika and Oualid collaborated with al-Zaq to acquire cash and send them to him, which were then reportedly routed to Hamas. Between 2020 and 2026, the three persons are accused of earning more than $2 million, including about $1.5 million following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

France-Based Charities and Cryptocurrency Used to Transfer Funds

According to the US Treasury, the suspected fundraising network collected public donations through two France-based organisations, Association Baraka and Ensemble C Mieux.

Barika founded Association Baraka alongside al-Zaq. The organization purportedly sought donations, which were then transmitted to al-Zaq for delivery to Hamas. Oualid founded Ensemble C Mieux, which the Treasury claims was also used to gather funds for the same network.

Cryptocurrency played a significant role in the purported transactions. According to OFAC, Barika and Oualid sent hundreds of thousands of dollars in digital currency to al-Zaq. He also advertised their fundraising accounts on his social media pages, directing potential donations to the campaigns.

According to US officials, the operation revealed how charitable fundraising channels and cryptocurrency were allegedly utilised to transfer funds to a designated terrorist organization. The inquiry is part of a larger, multi-jurisdictional operation led by the Federal Bureau of inquiry (FBI) that is targeting various Hamas fundraising activities, including those conducted in the United States.

The Treasury collaborated with the FBI and local law enforcement agencies, including as the New York Police Department, to identify and disrupt the suspected financial network.

US Treasury Explains Impact of New Hamas Sanctions

According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, terrorist organisations rely on financial networks and fraudulent fundraising strategies to carry out their activities. He stated that the department would continue to identify and target individuals and businesses accused of giving financial support to Hamas.

The sanctions were issued by the United States’ counterterrorism authorities. On October 31, 2001, the US Department of State labelled Hamas, and the group is also classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Following the most recent action, any property and financial interests pertaining to identified individuals and businesses based in the United States or controlled by US citizens must be prohibited and disclosed to OFAC. Businesses owned directly or indirectly by at least 50% of the blocked individuals or entities are also subject to the limitations.

The measures primarily ban US citizens and transactions within or transiting the United States from dealing with blocked property unless specifically approved or exempted. Violations may result in civil or criminal sanctions for both US and international people and organisations. OFAC also has the jurisdiction to levy civil penalties without requiring proof that a person deliberately violated sanctions.