Terrorist Groups Use Telegram for Raising Cryptocurrencies

Terrorist groups, including ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Hamas, are using several social media platforms, including Telegram, to raise funds via cryptocurrencies.   

The Jewish News Syndicate reported that the Washington-based Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) provided evidence of the crypto fundraising via Telegram. MEMRI mentioned that Hamas’ military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades used Telegram, Facebook, and Twitter to ask for supporters to send funds via Bitcoin on January 29th.   

Abdallah Al-Muhaysini, a Syria-based jihadi preacher, called out Muslims to support Hamas on Telegram by donating funds using Bitcoin.   

The MEMRI team has also been in touch with the US and other western government agencies to brief them on their findings. Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, has received letters from the US Congress to take immediate action against the evidence provided of terrorists using his platform.   

Reported by the New York Times, Telegram stated that they could launch its native blockchain Telegram Open Network (TON) and its native crypto within the next two months.