Crypto
Is cryptocurrency helping Hamas fund terrorism?
The US and Israel have stepped up their efforts to limit cryptocurrency transfers to Hamas since the group’s brutal October 7 attacks on Israel. Bitcoin, Dogecoin and Ethereum are increasingly blamed as conduits of funding for Islamist groups, but to what extent is this justified?
In the wake of Hamas’s attacks on Israeli territory on October 7 that were unprecedented in scale, the role of digital currencies like Bitcoin and Dogecoin and crypto exchange platforms in financing the radical Islamist movement are increasingly under scrutiny.
On October 19, the US Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) proposed new regulations identifying “Convertible Virtual Currency Mixing (CVC mixing) as a class of transactions of primary money laundering concern … to combat its use by malicious actors including Hamas [and] Palestinian Islamic Jihad”.
These online services, known more casually as “mixers” or “tumblers”, mix cryptocurrency of illicit origin with other cryptocurrency funds. As such, “the risk of employing crypto mixers to launder money or conceal earnings is pretty considerable”, acknowledges crypto industry news site Cointelegraph.
Appeals for Bitcoin via Facebook, Instagram and Telegram
In the wake of the October 7 assault, the Israeli defence ministry claimed it had seized virtual wallets linked to Hamas that had received $41 million (€39 million) between 2019 and 2023. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, for its part, has raised $94 million (€89 million) in cryptocurrency in recent years, according to Elliptic, a British firm that analyses virtual currency transactions.
And that’s not all. Washington also decided on October 18 to sanction “Buy Cash”, a Gaza-based company accused of “facilitating” cryptocurrency transfers to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
“Hamas’s use of crypto first came to light in January 2019,” writes David Carlisle, co-founder of Elliptic, in a blog post published on October 11. The al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing, was caught red-handed while organising a call for Bitcoin donations via Facebook and Instagram.
At first, these “funding 2.0” initiatives only raised a few thousand dollars, but Hamas has increasingly used social networks as funding channels ever since. And the Palestinian group formally listed as a terrorist organisation by the EU and the US is not alone in its actions. “Using crypto in conjunction with social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram, and I’ve seen Telegram mentioned recently – has become quite popular,” says Nicholas Ryder, a professor of law and specialist in terrorist financing networks at Cardiff University.
The recent attention paid to funds transferred to Hamas in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies may give the impression that without this windfall, the Islamist movement would be bankrupt or would, at least, have had a much harder time financing its attacks on Israel.
Secondary means
“There is a degree of hyperbole about this topic. It’s relatively new, has cachet and is unknown by many people, so of course it attracts attention. You cannot ignore it, but if you think about the pros and cons of [using it for] raising or moving funds, crypto is not the best,” says Tom Keatinge, director of the Centre for Financial Crime Research and Security Studies at the Royal United Service Institute, one of the UK’s leading think tanks on security issues.
For example, Hamas, which Forbes magazine ranked in 2014 as “one of the richest terrorist groups in the world”, has an estimated annual budget of nearly $1 billion. Most of the money comes from “expatriates or private donors in the Gulf region”, points out German news channel Deutsche Welle.
In this respect, the $41 million in cryptocurrencies seized by the Israeli authorities may seem like a drop in the bucket for Hamas. What’s more, these amounts should be taken with a grain of salt: it can be very difficult to separate funds intended to finance terrorist activities from others in a virtual wallet, Chainalysis, an American blockchain analysis company, notes in a blog post.
“[It’s] impossible to quantify how much money is transferred via crypto, but it has become a more and more prominent funding method,” says Ryder.
The rise of Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin in the world of terrorism can be explained first and foremost by the simplicity of making a transaction, notes Keatinge: “It’s easy, and I can make a donation from my couch at home.” It’s also much quicker than having to open a bank account and find intermediaries willing to transfer the fund. “You just need a smartphone and/or a laptop,” adds Ryder.
International authorities are also putting more effort into countering traditional terrorist financing channels, so these groups are trying to compensate with new ways of raising money. “The more we put pressure on traditional ways of financing, the more they’ll find alternative ways like crypto. And we are becoming better at fighting against the traditional means of financing. It’s like a balloon: when you squeeze one part, the other gets bigger,” says Keatinge.
Not so anonymous
Hamas, al Qaeda and Hezbollah don’t hesitate to combine the best of both worlds, either. For example, there can now be a cryptocurrency dimension to the use of fake NGOs, a classic means of funding for terrorist groups. “They can cut the top 10 to 15 percent and convert it into crypto, and then transfer it in order to make it more difficult to trace,” explains Ryder.
However, these movements’ interest in such new funding methods is not as strong as current media noise might suggest, because they are not ultimately as anonymous as we’ve been led to believe. “It may seem as though crypto is some kind of secret way to channel funds, but it has vulnerability. As soon as you start blockchain transactions, they are traceable. They’re not as secretive as many people think,” says Keatinge.
Indeed, all Bitcoin transactions pass through the blockchain, which is the digital equivalent of a ledger that is accessible to all. Admittedly, the names of those transferring or receiving the funds do not appear, but it is possible to track every movement of funds, and companies such as Chainalysis and Elliptic have become masters in the art of tracing their origin.
Of course, there are ways of making these transactions more anonymous, but they come at the expense of ease and speed – the main advantages of the use of cryptocurrencies for terrorists and other criminals. In the end, it’s still easier and more anonymous to hand-deliver suitcases full of cash.
This article is a translation of the original in French.
Crypto
Donald Trump plans to make cryptocurrency a national priority: Report
Donald Trump, who is going to take office as the 47th US President on January 20, is planning to issue an executive order that will elevate cryptocurrency to a national priority in the United States, reported Bloomberg.
The move is expected to signal a policy shift and provide the crypto industry with a more prominent role in shaping government decisions.
According to sources mentioned in the report, the order will designate cryptocurrency as a national imperative, encouraging government agencies to collaborate with the industry. Additionally, it is likely to establish a cryptocurrency advisory council to advocate for the sector’s policy needs.
Bitcoin was trading at $101,021.39, with a market cap of $2 trillion at the time the article was being written.
CRYPTO INDUSTRY’S INFLUENCE
Donald Trump has received considerable support from the cryptocurrency industry, including donations from prominent companies such as Coinbase and Ripple to his inaugural committee. On Friday, just days before the beginning of his second term at the White House, the industry is set to host an “Inaugural Crypto Ball” in Washington, celebrating its ties with the incoming administration.
This initiative would represent a huge shift for the crypto sector, which has faced numerous regulatory challenges under President Joe Biden’s administration. Federal agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), have launched more than 100 enforcement actions against crypto companies in recent years.
The proposed executive order may include a directive requiring all government agencies to review their policies on digital assets. There is also discussion about pausing ongoing litigation involving cryptocurrency firms, sources told Bloomberg. This could potentially halt legal actions against major players such as Binance Holdings Ltd. and Ripple Labs Inc., a move seen as a top priority by the industry.
CREATION OF NATIONAL BITCOIN STOCKPILE
Another key aspect under consideration is the creation of a national Bitcoin stockpile, the report mentioned.
The US government currently holds nearly $20 billion worth of Bitcoin, confiscated during various investigations, according to analytics firm Arkham. Bitcoin’s price has surged by nearly 50% since the November election, reaching over $100,000, partly due to speculation about the potential stockpile.
The proposed stockpile would formalise the government’s holdings of Bitcoin and reflect a strategic shift in how the US approaches cryptocurrency. Bitcoin has seen remarkable growth in 2024, with its value more than doubling over the year.
Kara Calvert, Vice President for US Policy at Coinbase Global Inc., commented on the importance of Trump’s potential move.
“What I think Donald Trump is going to do is signal that the United States is back and we are ready to lead in this industry. What it’s signaling to other countries is be careful, or you won’t keep up,” she told Bloomberg.
Trump has also made bold promises during his campaign, vowing to transform the US into the global capital of cryptocurrency. His administration is expected to issue several executive orders covering various industries within his first few days in office.
Despite facing regulatory hurdles during the Biden administration, the cryptocurrency industry in the US has continued to grow. Prominent financial firms, including BlackRock Inc., have launched spot Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
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Crypto
Crypto NFT Today: The Latest News in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, & NFTs- January Week 2 – Innovation & Tech Today
Welcome to another edition of Crypto NFT Today! The past two weeks have been full of must-know events that will define the future of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and NFTs.
With cryptocurrencies jumping ahead of Trump’s inauguration, an inflation report for Bitcoin bringing encouragement, and more, there’s lots of essential news you should know about. So, let’s dive in and see what’s happening!
Cryptocurrencies Jump Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration
Cryptocurrencies surged on Thursday as investors shifted their focus to smaller, higher-risk coins ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
XRP and litecoin were among the top performers, rising 13% and 22%, respectively, according to Coin Metrics. The CoinDesk 20 index, a broad crypto market indicator, gained nearly 5%. Meanwhile, bitcoin increased by less than 1%, hovering near $100,000 after a two-day rally of around 7% earlier this week. Ether dropped nearly 3% on Thursday.
Bitcoin’s Encouraging Inflation Report Releases
Bitcoin continued its rebound on Wednesday, hovering around $100,000 after another positive inflation report boosted investor risk appetite. The price of the leading cryptocurrency was up more than 3%, reaching $99,493.26, marking a 7% gain over the past two days, according to Coin Metrics. It peaked at $100,715.13 during late afternoon trading.
The CoinDesk 20 index, which tracks the broader cryptocurrency market, rose by 7%.Shares of Coinbase climbed 7%, while Bitcoin-related stocks MicroStrategy and Mara Holdings saw gains of 5% and 4%, respectively.
Litecoin May Receive ETF Soon
With U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration a few days away and new leadership set to take over at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), other cryptocurrencies beyond bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH) may soon be approved for their own spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Litecoin (LTC) is expected to be the first to receive approval, according to Eric Balchunas and James Seyffart, ETF analysts at Bloomberg Intelligence. “Canary Funds just filed an amended S-1 for their litecoin ETF application. While there are no guarantees, this could signal SEC engagement on the filing,” Seyffart shared on X.
Expert Predicts Dogecoin Surge
The crypto market often follows a cyclical pattern, with past price movements helping analysts predict future trends. Analyst Martinez applied this strategy in his commentary on Thursday, suggesting that Dogecoin could see another significant rise starting next week.
Martinez pointed out that Dogecoin experienced a major uptrend in the week of January 25, 2021, following a 56% drop from its December high. To provide context, the meme token fell from $0.0143 in December 2021 to a low of $0.0067, before rebounding sharply and closing January with a 700% increase.
Crypto
While ADA Faces Hurdles, These Are The 7 Best Cryptocurrency To Buy Now Under $5
As the cryptocurrency market continues its turbulent path, several well-known crypto projects, like Cardano (ADA), are having trouble keeping up. Although ADA’s decentralized capabilities and advanced blockchain technology are admirable, its recent performance has left investors looking for better crypto investment opportunities with strong growth prospects that don’t break the bank. Smart investors searching for the next big breakout are taking notice of the under-$5 cryptocurrencies that are making waves in this market.
LuckHunter (LHUNT) has stood out among these appealing contenders. LuckHunter is a pioneer in the combination of blockchain technology with metaverse gaming, providing a unique experience that combines entertainment and decentralized technology. At its heart is an immersive gaming platform that transforms user interaction with virtual worlds while utilizing blockchain’s advantages for security and transparency.
Both beginners and experienced investors find these sub-$5 cryptocurrencies, like LuckHunter, to be interesting because of their attractive blend of affordability and innovation. Cryptocurrencies like LuckHunter demonstrate that innovation need not be expensive as the market develops. In an ever-growing digital economy, exploring these innovative projects might reveal unrealized prospects, regardless of your experience with cryptocurrencies. So, let us explore the best cryptocurrencies to buy now under $5.
Best Cryptocurrency To Buy Now Under $5
After a steep drop that pushed the price below the $0.9550 support level, Cardano (ADA) is beginning to show signs of recovery. Selling pressure caused the digital asset, which had been trading above $1.00, to drop temporarily to $0.8769.
Similar decreasing tendencies observed in the Bitcoin and Ethereum markets preceded the latest price shift, which started when ADA was unable to sustain stability above the $1.00 level. When the price fell below a number of important support levels, such as $0.9550 and $0.9500, the slide quickened.
In the middle of this, investors are actively looking for the finest cryptocurrencies to purchase for less than $5. With LuckHunter as our top pick, we’ll talk about a few additional cryptocurrency contenders that are worth checking out right now for huge profits!
- LuckHunter (LHUNT)
- Rexas Finance (RWA)
- Shiba Inu (SHIB)
- Dogecoin (DOGE)
- Pudgy Penguins (PENGU)
- Toshi (TOSHI)
- Filecoin (FIL)
Are you ready to know about these seven best cryptocurrency to buy now that may hold a better promise than ADA? Then, explore their potential with us!
- LuckHunter (LHUNT)
By fusing casino experiences with a metaverse environment, LuckHunter (LHUNT) seeks to provide blockchain fans with a gaming environment. LHUNT distinguishes itself in a market where cryptocurrency-based games are becoming more popular by providing a setting where users can place bets on virtual experiences. From in-game purchases to staking activities, the network revolves around its cryptocurrency for a variety of transactions.
Visit the LuckHunter metaverse casino >>
Platform and Metaverse Focus
Fundamentally, LuckHunter offers a metaverse setting similar to a casino. Through virtual reality (VR) or conventional online interfaces, users can “enter” a virtual world where they can investigate interactive slot machines, card games, and other betting ideas. LHUNT prioritizes both entertainment and blockchain value in its ecosystem, whereas many other metaverse initiatives find it difficult to integrate the two. LuckHunter seeks to appeal to a wide range of players by combining interactive tables, digital collections, and the opportunity to win prizes.
Benefits for Token Holders
Staking programs, extra multipliers, or early access to new platform features could prove advantageous to LHUNT holders. The ability to interact with a casino setting from anywhere and the newness of the metaverse have drawn an increasing number of users. Investors predict that the token could rise in value if the user base grows and if real-time gaming becomes popular.
Plans for the Future
As a pioneer in the cryptocurrency and gaming industries, LuckHunter is creating waves. Since there aren’t many tokens left, early investors are seizing the opportunity to participate. The initiative has swiftly raised an incredible $1 million thanks to this feeling of exclusivity, demonstrating people’s faith and enthusiasm for its possibilities.
With its innovative and engaging approach to virtual world gambling, LuckHunter is the first metaverse casino gaming project available online. LuckHunter is at the forefront of the rapidly expanding global interest in metaverse gaming. Combining blockchain technology with entertaining, engaging gaming produces an unusual experience that appeals to investors and players alike.
LuckHunter is a noteworthy project to keep an eye on because of its scarce token supply and quick growth. It is an exciting prospect for everyone interested in the future of online entertainment because of its distinct approach to gaming and the growing popularity of metaverse experiences.
- Rexas Finance (RWA)
Rexas Finance transforms real-world asset tokenization (RWA) by streamlining ownership and transactions. Its platform includes user-friendly tools that let businesses and individuals create, manage, and trade asset-backed tokens with ease. This innovative approach democratises asset ownership, making it accessible to everyone, wherever.
Since its founding on September 8, 2024, Rexas Finance has demonstrated remarkable growth. The initial presale stage, which cost $0.03, sold out in less than three days, demonstrating strong investor confidence. The price of the RXS token, which is currently in its eleventh round of presale, is $0.175, representing a 483% growth in just four months. The effort has raised $35,927,359 without venture capital assistance by selling 395,385,647 tokens, demonstrating the enthusiasm of investors in general.
The anticipated early 2025 launch of RXS coins on major exchanges holds the real promise. According to analysts, the listing would raise liquidity and publicity, causing the price to rise to $10 in five months. A $50 investment would become $5,000 for investors who enter at the current price of $0.175, representing an incredible 10,000% gain. Rexas Finance’s commitment to innovation and ability to close significant gaps in the market make it a compelling substitute for exponential earnings.
3. Shiba Inu (SHIB)
Shiba Inu, one of the most recognizable meme currencies, has solidified its place and attracted attention due to its potential for quick gains. With a market capitalization of $14.2 billion and a trading volume of over $550 million, SHIB has grown 6.83% during the last day to trade at $0.000024. The popularity of cryptocurrencies like SHIB usually increases when Bitcoin gets closer to $100,000.
Meme currencies have historically increased in response to hopeful developments in Bitcoin and SHIB’s vibrant community and affordable price appeal to both individual and institutional investors. One of the main factors driving SHIB’s growth has been whale accumulation, in which large investors have increased their holdings. This trend demonstrates confidence in SHIB’s capacity to raise prices.
Shiba Inu is bound for a huge rise when combined with the optimism in the market as a whole brought on by Bitcoin’s rise. SHIB may see a 100x jump in the current market cycle, according to experts, who attribute this to rising retail interest and whale activity. A $50 investment at today’s price might yield a whopping $5,000 if SHIB hits $0.0024 during the next five months, providing speculative investors with a high-reward option.
4. Dogecoin (DOGE)
Dogecoin, which started off as a meme coin, continues to be significant in the cryptocurrency space. DOGE, which has a market valuation of $55.4 billion and a trading volume of $3.9 billion, has increased in value by 11.83% in the past day, trading at $0.3777. In the past, DOGE has prospered amid Bitcoin booms. Both new and seasoned investors are drawn to it because of its strong community support and cultural significance.
It serves as a gateway asset for those new to the cryptocurrency industry due to its cheap cost and visibility. Elon Musk, a long-time supporter of Dogecoin, continues to have a significant influence on the fluctuations in the cryptocurrency’s value. The DOGE community is now again feeling hopeful as a result of recent developments involving Musk, such as his endorsement of government efficiency concepts. Although not directly related to Dogecoin, Musk’s affinity for the token occasionally encourages speculative buying.
Given DOGE’s historical association with news pertaining to Musk and broader market conditions, analysts predict that the token may rise to $4.00 during the next five months. This offers investors who purchase at $0.3777 the possibility of a tenfold profit. Users might have $5,000 if they invest $50.
5. Pudgy Penguins (PENGU)
Initially, Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) was an NFT collection with adorable figures inspired by penguins. After that, the brand expanded by adding a token for community involvement. The colorful design appeals to dealers and collectors who value cartoon-style projects. Pudgy Penguins’ meme-based content has generated a lot of excitement on Twitter, which has helped PENGU attract a constant flow of attention.
Pudgy Penguins thrives on social media presence, just like a lot of other tokens that are driven by memes. In order to draw in new members, active community members organize events and produce fanart and memes. The initiative has grown from a specialized NFT series to a well-known brand in the cryptocurrency community because of this natural involvement. The PENGU token facilitates a number of activities, including online meetings and goods purchases.
Although PENGU’s primary identity is based on meme culture, certain experts believe it may grow. Adding games, events, or loyalty benefits to its environment might help PENGU maintain and perhaps increase its value. Early adopters are hopeful that a larger market may result from the adorable penguin NFTs’ popular appeal.
The general state of the community will determine PENGU’s destiny. The price of meme tokens might rise quickly, but it can also fall sharply. Continuous interaction, brand extensions, or outside collaborations are essential to Pudgy Penguins’ success. In a bull market, these tokens can grow swiftly, but traders need to be aware that they can also rapidly retrace.
6. Toshi (TOSHI)
Toshi is another token that seeks to combine useful functions with playful branding. Its name honors Satoshi Nakamoto, the enigmatic creator of Bitcoin. This reference is meant to add some flair to Bitcoin, even if TOSHI is not directly associated with it.
The TOSHI project intends to develop a suite of user-experience-focused apps. Offering a wallet or tool where TOSHI holders receive benefits or lower costs is one concept. Another idea would be to create limited-edition NFTs under the TOSHI brand, which would allow supporters to show off their devotion. The development team of TOSHI must release new applications and maintain community updates in order for the platform to grow.
TOSHI’s branding and the potential for an expanding ecosystem have attracted early traders. According to some, TOSHI has a hybrid identity since it is a combination of a meme and a utility coin. A larger population could be drawn in by this dual feature. That being said, TOSHI must continue to be genuine and provide useful releases rather than simply promotional tricks.
7. Filecoin (FIL)
In the digital era, decentralized storage solutions are essential, and Filecoin fills that demand. The software establishes a market where users can either purchase storage space using FIL tokens or rent out their extra storage capacity. The new approach of cloud storage uses blockchain technology to guarantee data security and availability while challenging conventional centralized systems.
The FIL token is used as an incentive for storage providers and a way to pay for storage services. By contributing storage space or staking FIL tokens, investors can contribute to the network’s development. Because of the platform’s distinctive business strategy, consumers enjoy low pricing and enhanced data protection, while storage providers are encouraged to continue offering dependable services.
Filecoin’s decentralized storage solution has grown in value due to the exponential expansion of digital data. FIL is a desirable investment for those who believe in the future of decentralized infrastructure because of its integration with Web3 apps and partnerships with significant digital businesses, which position the project for future growth.
Conclusion: Best Cryptocurrency To Buy Now
The inventiveness and promise of under-$5 cryptocurrencies are drawing attention in a sector where well-known brands like ADA are having difficulties. Projects like LuckHunter, which combine blockchain technology and metaverse gaming, are prime examples of the fascinating prospects in this field.
These coins provide an accessible starting point for investors looking for growth since they are both innovative and reasonably priced. Investigating such cutting-edge initiatives might open up incredible opportunities for individuals who are ready to take the risk as the cryptocurrency environment changes.
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