The Coming Storm

The Coming Storm: Terrorist Using Cryptocurrency focuses on jihadis’ growing use of cryptocurrencies and the threat that this poses. It explores how these groups and individuals are already extensively fundraising in cryptocurrencies, including for attacks and for weapons and equipment purchases, for food and necessities for fighters’ families, and more, and are also promoting the use of cryptocurrencies and discussing how to use them on a wide range of online platforms. The study includes the findings of the Middle East Media Research Institute’s intensive monitoring of jihadis’ growing sophistication over the years in using cryptocurrencies and of their promotion of them as being easy, safe, and secure to use.

Preface By Lt-.Gen. (ret.) Vincent R. Stewart, Former Deputy Commander Of The United States Cyber Command And Special Advisor And Chairman Of The MEMRI Board Of Advisors

Introduction

Washington Post Op-Ed By MEMRI Executive Director Steven Stalinsky: The Cryptocurrency-Terrorism Connection Is Too Big To Ignore

The Hill Op-Ed By MEMRI Executive Director Steven Stalinsky: Terrorists Have Been Using Bitcoin For Four Years, So What’s The Surprise?

Chatter About Bitcoin And Other Cryptocurrencies By Jihadis On Facebook In U.S., Canada, U.K., Europe

Two Years After MEMRI-Assisted Congressional Letter To Telegram CEO Durov Raising Alarm About Upcoming Release Of Platform’s Cryptocurrency And Expressing Concern About Extensive Terrorist Use Of His Platform Goes Unanswered, Congressmen Work With MEMRI To Send Follow-Up Letter Demanding Response

The Imminent Release Of Telegram’s Cryptocurrency, ISIS’s Encryption App Of Choice – An International Security Catastrophe In The Making

Al-Qaeda Affiliate Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS): Promoting And Soliciting Donations In Bitcoin; HTS Sheikh Declares It "Permissible" For Giving To Charity

SadaqaCoins – Jihadi Crowdfunding Platform Using Cryptocurrencies – Including Bitcoin, Monero, And Ethereum; Encourages Hacking, Use Of Ransomware To Raise Funds; Posts Internet Security Tutorials; Active On Social Media

Jihadi Fundraising Group Al-Sadaqah Uses Cryptocurrencies: Activity November 2017-October 2018

Jihadi Groups Use Monero Cryptocurrency For Fundraising

Leading Pro-ISIS Tech Group Electronic Horizons Foundation (EHF) Posts About Using Cryptocurrencies – Zcash, Bitcoin, Multiple Platforms – And Warns About Insecure Online Payment Services; Promises Future Articles On "Reliable" Cryptocurrencies

Malhama Tactical, A Russian-Speaking Jihadi Military Contractor Operating In Syria, Fundraises And Markets Merchandise In Indonesian Using Bitcoin To Support Its Training Camps, Buy Turkish Construction Materials

Al Ansaar – Aid For Syria, Jihadi "Charity Organization" On Telegram, Fundraises For Mujahideen And Foreign Fighters In Syria – Including Australians, Swedes, Other Europeans – And For Purchasing Drones And Other Equipment, Via Telegram And WhatsApp And Using Bitcoin Address

Jihadi "Independent Charity" Group Al-Ikhwa Continues To Solicit Funds On Telegram Via Bitcoin To Support Wounded Fighters, Wives Of 'Martyrs,' Orphans In Syria: 'Earn Your Tickets To Jannah [Paradise] By Donating'

Indonesian Jihadi Fundraising Group Abu Ahmed Foundation Gives Bank Account Numbers, Works With Other Jihadi Organizations And Uses Cryptocurrencies

Pro-ISIS Gaza Jihadi Media Groups Ibn Taymiyya Media Center, Jaysh Al-Ummah Fundraise Using Cryptocurrency For Arming And Equipping Fighters In Gaza

Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades Promote Bitcoin Use, Solicit Bitcoin Donations Worldwide – And Announces Plans To Send "Hundreds Of Millions" Of Text Messages In Multiple Languages Explaining How To Donate

Assorted Jihadi Telegram Channels’ Ongoing Efforts In Fundraising In Bitcoin And Other Cryptocurrencies