Bitcoin

Million

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC) has urged accounting and auditing professionals to play a crucial role in detecting and preventing terror financing.
This alert highlights five primary methods terrorists use to transfer funds, including cryptocurrencies.
<a href="https://www.icpac.org.cy/selk/en/default.aspx" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">ICPAC</a>, which regulates the accountancy profession in Cyprus, issued a “terror financing alert” to enhance efforts against such activities.
While law enforcement agencies usually handle financial crimes such as money laundering and terror financing, ICPAC emphasizes the need for accounting professionals to participate in monitoring. The regulator stated:
“These days, given the nature of services provided and the role of professionals as gatekeepers, it is a requirement for obliged entities to take an active role in the prevention phase.”
 ICPAC identified five fund transfer methods used by terrorists: donations through nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), cash, bank transfers and gift cards, cryptocurrencies, and shell companies.
Regarding cryptocurrencies, ICPAC advises accountants to watch for anonymous cross-border peer-to-peer transfers, crowdfunding, charitable donations, and anonymous online fundraising campaigns.
ICPAC instructed its members, firms, and compliance officers to report suspicious activities, warning that failure to do so constitutes an offense.
READ MORE: <a href="https://www.cryptointelligence.co.uk/german-government-continues-bitcoin-sell-off-shifts-178-million-in-btc-in-one-hour/" data-wpel-link="internal" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">German Government Continues Bitcoin Sell-Off, Shifts $178 Million in BTC in One Hour</a>
Consequently, flagged transactions will undergo thorough scrutiny, including profiling individuals, screening crypto wallets and transactions, and using specialized blockchain tools.
A U.S. Treasury official revealed that Palestinian militant groups, including Hamas, used small amounts of cryptocurrencies for funding but preferred traditional financial methods.
Blockchain analytics firm Elliptic confirmed that Palestinian Islamic Jihad raised $12 million through crypto fundraising, contradicting a Wall Street Journal report that initially claimed they received between $41 million and $93 million from August 2021 to June 2023.
Elliptic found no evidence of such high amounts raised through crypto, prompting the Journal to correct its report.
“To be clear,” Representative Tom Emmer asked the Treasury’s Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson, ”Hamas is using crypto in relatively small amounts compared to what’s been widely reported, that’s correct?”
“That’s our assessment, yep,” Nelson confirmed.
To submit a <a href="https://www.cryptointelligence.co.uk/category/press-releases/" data-wpel-link="internal" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">crypto press release (PR)</a>, send an email to <a href="mailto:sales@cryptointelligence.co.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">sales@cryptointelligence.co.uk</a>.

Cyprus Accountancy Regulator Urges Vigilance in Detecting Terror Financing, Highlights Crypto Risks

Crypto Intelligence

Other articles published on Jul 12, 2024

Singapore ‘not ready’ for Bitcoin ETFs, sneaky crypto mining rig importer: Asia Express

Inaugural Malaysia Blockchain Week MYBW to Kick Off in Kuala Lumpur in July 2024

Bitcoin Faces Market Challenges as Prices Fluctuate

Cryptocurrency Market Faces Intense Activity

XRP Up More Than 3% In 24 hours

Crypto Market Crash Is ‘Normal’, VanEck CEO Remains Bullish

Join our free newsletter for daily crypto updates!