Treasury Sanctions France Network That Raised More Than $2 Million
Tens of thousands of dollars were converted to cryptocurrency and transferred to Gaza. The network raised about $500,000 before Oct. 7, 2023, and $1.5 million in the 13 months afterward.
The U.S. Treasury sanctioned three people and two organizations in France over a fundraising network tied to Hamas. The network raised more than $2 million over six years, while tens of thousands of dollars were converted to cryptocurrency and transferred to Gaza.
The named targets are Saleem Abdallah Saleem al-Zaq, identified as an Al-Qassam Brigades battalion deputy commander in Gaza, and Faouzi Barika and Amel Oualid, described as a French fundraising couple. The two organizations are Association Baraka and Ensemble C Mieux.
The fundraisers collected about $500,000 before the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel and another $1.5 million in the 13 months afterward. Most of the funds moved through traditional financial channels. Tens of thousands of dollars were converted to cryptocurrency and sent to Gaza through TRON wallets.
Foreign financial institutions that transact for designated parties may face secondary sanctions.
Riza Dagoc
Riza Dagoc reports on regulation, investing and the digital-asset business for TokenPost. Send corrections or tips to info@tokenpost.com.