Spanish police said on the 30th that they have detained a 38-year-old Chinese national who operates a barbershop near Barcelona. The individual is suspected of providing funds to the militant organization Hamas through cryptocurrency transfers totaling around 60,000 euros (approximately 2.8 million ringgit).
Investigators traced at least 31 cryptocurrency transactions, with the funds originating from virtual wallets controlled by the suspect. These wallet addresses are suspected to be related to an entity used by Hamas.
Due to the sensitivity of the investigation, police declined to comment on the possible motive of the male suspect or whether he intentionally contacted Hamas or was merely an intermediary.
Police said that during searches of the suspect’s barbershop and residence, officers seized crypto assets, cash, about 9,000 cigars, jewelry, computers, and mobile phones.
Police stated that the investigation began in June of last year when authorities were investigating a case of fraud and money laundering. The man is currently out on bail during a Spanish national court investigation into charges of financing terrorism and smuggling.
In recent years, governments in many countries have warned that militant organizations are using cryptocurrencies for cross-border fund transfers, making efforts to track and combat terrorist financing increasingly complex.