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How To Destroy The Hamas Cryptocurrency Funding Network

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How To Destroy The Hamas Cryptocurrency Funding Network

The Hamas attack on Israel has prompted renewed efforts by U.S. authorities to eradicate Iran-backed terror groups’ financial networks, including their crypto funding, with sanctions, penalties and fresh investigations. In Israel, the National Bureau for Counter Terror Financing, together with Israeli police and intelligence agencies, launched an operation to locate and freeze Hamas’ crypto accounts. Lionsgate Network, an Israeli startup specializing in cryptocurrency recovery, has joined the effort and has been successful in identifying and intercepting crypto accounts linked to Hamas.

“The world watched in horror as Hamas committed brutal acts of terrorism against the people of Israel,” said U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. “On this committee, we’ve raised the alarm about crypto and its role in illicit finance—including the use of crypto to both fund terrorists and enable the rogue nations financing them… when law enforcement attempts to trace or block crypto funds, it becomes a game of whack-a-mole. They stop one transaction…and the criminals have moved on to another platform, with another alias.”

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed in October sanctions on ten key Hamas terrorist group members, operatives, and financial facilitators in Gaza and elsewhere. With additional rounds of sanctions in November, Treasury has targeted more than 1,000 individuals and entities connected to terrorism and terrorist financing by the Iranian regime and its proxies, including Hamas, Hizballah, and other Iran-aligned terrorist groups in the region. On November 21, Treasury announced that Binance, the largest crypto exchange, settled its violations of multiple sanctions programs for $3.4 billion and a five-year monitorship.

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“The realm of terrorist financing is always a cat-and-mouse game. Those seeking to stop Hamas will need to be as nimble and creative as the adversary, using the tools already at our disposal to identify and disrupt its financial network,” says Yaya J. Fanusie, a former CIA analyst and the director of policy for anti-money laundering and cyber risk at the Crypto Council for Innovation. Lionsgate Network is such a tool, succeeding recently in finding $90 million worth of cryptocurrency owned by Hamas and freezing about 100 accounts.

Just over a year ago, Lionsgate Network was established as a digital platform specializing in providing money recovery services for investors and consumers encountering digital currencies-related fraud and scams. According to Defillma, $7.54 billion worth of digital assets have been stolen through hacks, most of them in the last three years and a number of startups, such as Jurat and M2 recovery, are in the recovery services market.

Helping in the national effort to combat Hamas’ continuing fundraising since October 7, Lionsgate Network has deployed the same methods it uses to find stolen digital currencies. “Our secret sauce is the innovative approach we bring to an evolving landscape, positioning us as industry leaders in digital transactions,” says Bezalel Raviv, the CEO and founder of Lionsgate Network. “Similar to Israel’s Iron Dome protecting its landscape, Lionsgate Network’s vision is to safeguard the blockchain landscape, ensuring robust security for digital transactions and assets,” adds Raviv.

Lionsgate Network’s team of blockchain analysts and cyber advisors, leveraging Israel’s cybersecurity knowledge and expertise, monitors cryptocurrency transactions in real-time, flags suspicious financial activities, and uses a range of methods to identify the owners of these accounts.

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“The paramount challenge in blockchain analysis is revealing the entity ID behind the transaction ID. This underscores the necessity for enhanced identification measures and the strategic use of power analysis to effectively monitor the ever-evolving blockchain landscape,” says Raviv.

In the blockchain landscape, with its whack-a-mole and cat-and-mouse games, new and fast-growing crypto networks periodically emerge. Reuters reported recently that Tron has overtaken Bitcoin as a platform for crypto transfers associated with groups designated as terror organizations by Israel, the United States and other countries. According to the report, weeks after the Hamas assault, Israel announced its biggest known seizure of crypto accounts yet, freezing around 600 accounts it connected to Gaza-based money exchange company Dubai Co.

Lionsgate Network is ready for the ever-changing landscape. “Remember,” says Raviv, “new keys open new doors.”

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ZIUM Launches to Revolutionize Instagram and Cryptocurrency Solutions

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ZIUM Launches to Revolutionize Instagram and Cryptocurrency Solutions

Zagreb, Croatia–(Newsfile Corp. – January 12, 2025) – ZIUM, a cutting-edge agency founded to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in social media and digital marketing, is now officially open for business. Specializing in Instagram username claims, account unbans, and cryptocurrency marketing, ZIUM has positioned itself as a trusted partner for individuals and businesses seeking innovative solutions in the digital age.

The agency operates at the intersection of technology, social media, and blockchain marketing, empowering clients to unlock their full potential online. With a dedicated team of experts and a results-driven approach, ZIUM is redefining the way people navigate the ever-changing online landscape.


ZIUM

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A New Era of Digital Problem Solving
ZIUM’s services address real-world challenges in today’s digital ecosystem. Instagram, one of the largest and most influential social platforms, has become a critical tool for personal branding, business promotion, and community engagement. However, issues such as unavailable usernames or unfair account suspensions can hinder growth and cause frustration. ZIUM steps in to provide solutions that are fast, efficient, and tailored to each client’s needs.

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Additionally, ZIUM excels in cryptocurrency marketing, offering projects and startups a strategic edge in the fast-paced blockchain industry. By combining deep knowledge of crypto trends with cutting-edge marketing strategies, the agency helps blockchain projects stand out in an increasingly crowded market.

Core Services Offered by ZIUM

  1. Instagram Username Claims
    In the crowded social media space, having the perfect Instagram username can make all the difference. Whether it’s for a brand, influencer, or business, ZIUM specializes in acquiring sought-after usernames to align with clients’ goals and identities. The agency handles the process from start to finish, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

  2. Instagram Account Unbans
    Account suspensions on Instagram can be devastating, especially for businesses and influencers relying on the platform for engagement and revenue. ZIUM offers expert account recovery services, helping clients navigate Instagram’s policies to regain access to their accounts quickly and effectively.

  3. Cryptocurrency Marketing
    The cryptocurrency space is highly competitive, and visibility is key. ZIUM provides end-to-end marketing strategies tailored to blockchain projects, ensuring they reach the right audience. From brand development to targeted campaigns, ZIUM helps crypto ventures grow and thrive in an ever-evolving market.

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Donald Trump Embraces Meme Coins—A Presidential First

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Donald Trump Embraces Meme Coins—A Presidential First

Donald Trump is making news once more, but this time it’s not for political reasons; it’s about cryptocurrency. As he prepares to return as the 47th President of the United States, Trump will become the first sitting president to own meme currencies, a decision that has stirred both enthusiasm and skepticism in the crypto community.

Trump: A Significant Crypto Portfolio

Recent sources claim that Trump’s crypto wallet consists largely of meme coins and is valued roughly $8 million. Among the assets are $1.5 million in a meme currency with Trump-themed design and $5.5 million in TROG tokens.

In addition, he has about 1.3 billion GUA coins, which amounts to nearly $400,000, and $167,000 in TRUMPIUS tokens. This is a first of its kind, where Trump becomes an oddity in the world of politics and cryptocurrency, considering his earlier reluctance towards digital assets.

From Skepticism To Support

Trump’s journey into the crypto world is notable. He had been a strong critic of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, calling them scams. But that all changed in 2024 when he started publicly endorsing Bitcoin and speaking out for the right to own it. That’s a broader trend among politicians, who are increasingly recognizing the potential of cryptocurrencies and their growing popularity among voters.

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Trump’s financial success in the digital sphere was also aided by his venture into non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on Ethereum. Trump reportedly made a good living from these endeavors, and he currently owns roughly 496.77 ETH, which is worth about $1.6 million.

BTC is currently trading at $94,144. Chart: TradingView

Implications For Regulation

Many people are eager to see how Trump’s administration will regulate cryptocurrencies now that he is back in office. A possible change toward a more advantageous regulatory climate for digital assets is hinted at by the nomination of important individuals like David Sacks as “Crypto Czar” and Paul Atkins as SEC chair. This could result in more precise rules for investors and businesses involved in the cryptocurrency industry.

Trump

Donald Trump. Image: Ronda Churchill/Reuters

The policies by Trump are already changing market dynamics as everybody is anxiously awaiting them. During this time when Bitcoin hit a record high of $108k, while meme coins surged, analysts still feel that Trump could make the year 2025 a major turning point in cryptocurrencies.

Meme Coin Boom

The rise of Trump-owned meme coins is indicative of a broader cultural shift among younger investors who are fed up with established financial institutions. This combination of the political influence of Trump and the speculative nature of meme coins puts a scenario under which political events could significantly affect cryptocurrency markets. Thus, while the investors go about this, they are not ignorant of the volatility that is usually associated with meme coins.

Featured image from Fortanix, chart from TradingView

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Scammers steal $2 million in cryptocurrency from remote work seekers in New York, Florida 

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Scammers steal  million in cryptocurrency from remote work seekers in New York, Florida 

Scammers stole millions of dollars in cryptocurrency from remote job seekers in an elaborate scheme. New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit to recover over $2 million that she said was stolen from New Yorkers and others nationwide.

Scammers used unsolicited text messages to lure victims with promises of flexible, well-paying remote work opportunities. They claimed the job involved reviewing products online to generate market data. However, victims were told to open cryptocurrency accounts and maintain balances matching the price of products they were reviewing.

While victims believed they would receive their investments plus commissions, the funds were instead transferred into the scammers’ crypto wallets. The fake product reviews took place on a fraudulent website created as part of the scheme.

The lawsuit details seven people who were scammed. One victim, a New Yorker, lost over $100,000 while another victim from Florida lost over $300,000. These cases show the significant financial and emotional impact on the victims.

James’ office, working with Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and her cryptocurrency unit, traced the stolen funds to specific digital wallets. Over $2 million in cryptocurrency has been frozen, ensuring it can be returned to victims.

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“Deceiving individuals seeking remote work is cruel and unacceptable,” said James. “We’re committed to holding scammers accountable and recovering stolen funds.”

Published By:

indiatodayglobal

Published On:

Jan 12, 2025

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