By On August 29th, it is reported that terrorists have been using Telegram messaging app to raise funds through cryptocurrency, according to a report shared by MEMRI (Middle East Media Research Institute).
The MEMRI’s research proved that terrorists are indeed using Telegram and other social media platforms, to mobilize their supporters and followers around the world, to raise funds through digital currency.
The terrorist groups mentioned in the report include Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Hamas and the Muslim brothers.
Report of MEMRI Research
MEMRI, based in Washington, has been sharing research findings with various Government agencies, Media, legislatures and Academia.
The report contains examples that indicate how jihadi groups are using Telegram to raise cryptocurrency:
- The AL-Qassam Brigades, who are Hamas Military Wing, urged supporters to send funds through Bitcoin, on January 29th 2019. This message was shared on many platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, WordPress and Skype.
- On March 26th 2019, Abdallah Al-Muhaysini, a Syrian- based Jihadi Preacher used telegram post a video. He called on all Muslims to support Hamas (Islamic Resistance in Palestine) by using Bitcoin to donate funds.
MEMRI has raised concerns in the past about the threat of terrorists using highly encrypted platforms like Telegram to send messages and raise money. In their report The Coming Storm, MEMRI showed that the main platform of choice for terrorist fundraising today is Telegram.
Furthermore, terrorist are now publishing their bitcoin addresses on encrypted messaging apps to solicit donations. The report also reviewed other cryptocurrencies used by terrorists like Dash, Monero, Etherium, Verge and Zcash.
MEMRI assisted US legislatures in writing congressional letters to Pavel Durov, Telegram’s CEO and founder, requesting him to address the threat of terrorists on his platform. As Telegram’s cryptocurrency launches in October, the looming threat of terrorists and cryptocurrency remains to be a challenge.
The Launch of Telegram Crypto, Gram
Telegram is a cloud-based mobile and desktop messaging app with a focus on security and speed. Telegram is in the process of developing their own cryptocurrency (Gram), which will be run by Telegram Open Network (TON). On the statement issued to the New York Times, Telegram said that Gram would become a new online currency and a way to move money anywhere in the world. The first batch of coins is planned to be released to 200 million of their users in October.
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