美國和英國在襲擊後加強加密貨幣執法以阻止哈馬斯恐怖主義融資

10 月 7 日以色列遭受攻擊後，美國和英國當局加大力度打擊透過加密貨幣進行的恐怖主義融資。美國財政部 OFAC 和英國 OFSI 最近制裁了與哈馬斯籌款有關的實體和個人，包括 Gaza Now、Al-Qureshi Executives、Aakhirah Limited、Mustafa Ayash 和 Aozma Sultana。制裁針對那些促進籌款和宣傳親哈馬斯內容的人。

U.S. and U.K. Strengthen Crypto Crackdown on Terrorism Financing in Wake of Hamas Attacks

哈馬斯襲擊後，美國和英國加強對恐怖主義融資的加密打擊

In response to terrorist attacks perpetrated against Israel on October 7th, the United States and United Kingdom have intensified their efforts to combat entities implicated in financing terrorist activities through cryptocurrency transactions.

為因應 10 月 7 日針對以色列的恐怖攻擊，美國和英國加大力度打擊涉嫌透過加密貨幣交易資助恐怖活動的實體。

Sanctions Imposed on Hamas-Linked Entities

對哈馬斯相關實體實施的製裁

The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the U.K.'s Office of Foreign Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) have imposed sanctions on two individuals and three entities believed to be involved in fundraising for Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.

美國財政部外國資產管制辦公室 (OFAC) 和英國外國制裁實施辦公室 (OFSI) 對據信參與為指定恐怖組織哈馬斯籌款的兩名個人和三個實體實施了製裁。

The sanctioned entities include:

受制裁的實體包括：

• Gaza Now: A Gaza-based social media outlet
• Al-Qureshi Executives: A London-based business
• Aakhirah Limited: A London-based business

Mustafa Ayash, the founder of Gaza Now, and Aozma Sultana, the director of the London businesses, were also targeted for sanctions. They are accused of promoting pro-Hamas propaganda and facilitating fundraising for the organization.

Gaza Now：總部位於加薩的社群媒體Al-Qureshi 主管：總部位於倫敦的企業Aakhirah Limited：總部位於倫敦的企業Gaza Now 的創始人穆斯塔法·阿亞什(Mustafa Ayash) 和倫敦企業的董事Aozma Sultana 也成為制裁目標。他們被指控推動親哈馬斯的宣傳並為該組織籌款提供便利。

Cryptocurrency as a Fundraising Tool

加密貨幣作為募款工具

Investigations have revealed that Gaza Now has been actively promoting cryptocurrency donation campaigns. Chainalysis, a blockchain intelligence firm, has identified suspicious crypto addresses associated with the entity that began receiving funds as early as 2021.

調查顯示，Gaza Now 一直在積極推動加密貨幣捐贈活動。區塊鏈情報公司 Chainaanalysis 已識別出與該實體相關的可疑加密位址，該實體早在 2021 年就開始接收資金。

Following the October 7th attacks, Gaza Now escalated its fundraising efforts and implemented evasive tactics to escape scrutiny. The entity frequently changed crypto donation addresses and switched between multiple cryptocurrencies in an attempt to conceal its activities.

10 月 7 日襲擊事件發生後，Gaza Now 加大了籌款力度，並採取迴避策略來逃避審查。該實體經常更改加密貨幣捐贈地址並在多種加密貨幣之間切換，試圖隱藏其活動。

Analysis of Crypto Transactions

加密貨幣交易分析

Chainalysis has conducted a comprehensive analysis of the crypto transactions associated with Gaza Now and the sanctioned individuals. The firm has determined that the majority of incoming funds originated from mainstream crypto exchanges.

Chainaanalysis 對與 Gaza Now 和受制裁個人相關的加密交易進行了全面分析。該公司已確定大部分流入資金來自主流加密貨幣交易所。

Additionally, Chainalysis has traced suspicious transactions involving three wallets previously seized by the National Bulk Cash Smuggling and Counterfeit Task Force (NBCTF), an Iranian exchange in Iran, and a money services business (MSB) in Gaza.

此外，Chainaanalysis 還追蹤到涉及先前被國家大宗現金走私和假冒特別工作組 (NBCTF)、伊朗的一家伊朗交易所和加沙的一家貨幣服務公司 (MSB) 扣押的三個錢包的可疑交易。

The firm has also discovered that Gaza Now's personal wallets received over $40,000 in various crypto assets.

該公司還發現 Gaza Now 的個人錢包收到了超過 4 萬美元的各種加密資產。

Sophisticated Concealment Techniques

複雜的隱藏技術

The analysis indicates that donors have used various techniques to obfuscate their activities, including instant exchanges, crypto tumblers, and smart contracts. This behavior suggests an attempt to avoid detection and evade sanctions.

分析表明，捐贈者使用了各種技術來混淆他們的活動，包括即時交換、加密貨幣翻轉器和智慧合約。這種行為表明他們試圖避免被發現和逃避制裁。

Small-Value Transactions and Internal Funds Transfers

小額交易及內部資金轉賬

Chainalysis has noted that most incoming transactions to Gaza Now were relatively small in value, typically under $10,000. The firm speculates that larger transfers may represent internal movements of funds within the entity or among its associates rather than external donations.

Chainaanalysis 指出，Gaza Now 的大多數傳入交易價值相對較小，通常低於 10,000 美元。該公司推測，較大的轉移可能代表實體內部或其聯營公司之間的資金內部流動，而不是外部捐贈。

Continued Vigilance and Cooperation

持續保持警覺與合作

The U.S. and U.K. authorities have pledged to continue their collaborative efforts to disrupt terrorist financing networks and prevent the abuse of cryptocurrency for illicit purposes. They have urged virtual currency exchanges and other industry participants to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.

美國和英國當局承諾繼續合作，破壞恐怖分子融資網絡並防止加密貨幣出於非法目的。他們敦促虛擬貨幣交易所和其他行業參與者保持警惕，並向有關當局報告任何可疑活動。

Conclusion

結論

The sanctions and detailed analysis of crypto transactions associated with Gaza Now and the other entities underscore the heightened focus on combatting terrorism financing through virtual currencies. The U.S. and U.K. authorities have demonstrated their commitment to disrupting the flow of funds to designated terrorist organizations and holding those involved in illicit activities accountable.

對與 Gaza Now 和其他實體相關的加密貨幣交易的製裁和詳細分析凸顯了對透過虛擬貨幣打擊恐怖主義融資的高度重視。美國和英國當局已表明他們致力於阻止資金流向指定的恐怖組織，並追究參與非法活動的人的責任。