₹226 Crore Crypto Terror Takedown: AI‑Blockchain Sting Uncovers Hamas & Dark Web

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India Cracks Down on ₹226 Cr Crypto Terror Syndicate Tied to Hamas Channels

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India’s crackdown on crypto-enabled crime networks is expected to intensify with expanded use of AI and blockchain forensics
The busted cryptocurrency network’s links to terror groups and dark web platforms may lead to further international cooperation in combating cybercrime
The operation’s success is likely to inform and bolster India’s PRAHAAR strategy aimed at curbing terrorists’ use of digital assets and dark web infrastructure

Gujarat’s Cyber Crime Centre has dismantled a cryptocurrency network valued at around ₹226 crore. Authorities believe this network was involved in funding terrorism, illegal drug sales on the dark web, and moving money illegally across international borders.

Police have arrested nine people from Gujarat, Mumbai, and Haryana in a significant development in India’s efforts to combat crime involving cryptocurrency, according to a local news report. Investigators believe this is a major step forward in dismantling criminal networks using crypto.

The investigation reportedly found connections to groups associated with Hamas, Yemen’s Houthi movement (Ansar Allah), Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps – Quds Force (IRGC-QF), and Garantex, a cryptocurrency exchange that has been sanctioned by international authorities.

Hamas-linked wallets and dark web transactions under probe

According to investigators, Mohammed Zubair Popatia, a key suspect, reportedly used a cryptocurrency wallet that Israel had previously blocked due to concerns it was connected to Hamas.

Investigators say the criminal group used privacy-focused cryptocurrencies like Monero to hide money, then exchanged it for USDT. They then moved the funds through informal money transfer systems – hawala and angadiya – which are connected to global criminal organizations.

Investigators connected the operation to dark web sites like “ARTEMISLAB.CC,” alleging it was used to both sell drugs and hide the money earned from those sales.

Gujarat authorities used AI and blockchain forensics

Gujarat’s Deputy Chief Minister announced today that the state’s Cyber Centre of Excellence uses blockchain forensics and artificial intelligence to find and track down unusual cryptocurrency activity.

Officials say this operation shows that groups connected to terrorism and cybercrime are using things like cryptocurrencies, privacy-focused coins, and the dark web more and more to avoid being tracked by traditional financial monitoring systems.

Police also seized 13 mobile phones, laptops, and cash during the raids.

PRAHAAR: India’s expansion on anti-terror crypto

This action coincides with India reinforcing its “PRAHAAR” plan, which focuses on preventing terrorists from using cryptocurrency, online black markets, and secure digital payment methods.

In February 2026, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs introduced ‘PRAHAAR’, the country’s new counter-terrorism strategy. It explained how Indian agencies – including those focused on financial intelligence, law enforcement, and state-level investigations – are now more closely tracking cryptocurrency transactions to prevent funding for terrorism and criminal activity.

Authorities have charged the individuals involved with various crimes under the new Indian Penal Code (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. These charges include supporting terrorism and committing financial crimes using technology.

As a crypto investor, I’m seeing a lot of warnings lately about scams, and they’re really important. Basically, the authorities are saying *don’t* rent out your bank account to anyone, and definitely don’t get involved in crypto transactions where you’re promised money just for participating. It sounds too good to be true, and it is – criminals are using these kinds of schemes more and more, so it’s best to steer clear.

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2026-05-19 16:09