IS hacker charged with selling fake PPE online

The US has accused an Islamic State hacker with selling fake personal protective equipment online during the coronavirus pandemic to provide funding for the terrorist organisation.

Murat Cakar, described as an Islamic State facilitator who managed some of the terrorist organisation's hacking operations, allegedly sold fake personal protective equipment via the FaceMaskCenter.com website.

It comes as the US Department of Justice announces three large seizures of cryptocurrency used by terrorist organisations, including Islamic State, al Qaeda, and the al Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing.

It followed an investigation which stretched across multiple US agencies, including financial experts, cyber experts, and undercover operations and covert sources.

According to the DoJ, "each group used cryptocurrency and social media to garner attention and raise funds for their terror campaigns."

"Pursuant to judicially-authorised warrants, US authorities seized millions of dollars, over 300 cryptocurrency accounts, four websites, and four Facebook pages all related to the criminal enterprise," the agency added.

"It should not surprise anyone that our enemies use modern technology, social media platforms and cryptocurrency to facilitate their evil and violent agendas," said the US attorney general William Barr.

"Terrorist networks have adapted to technology, conducting complex financial transactions in the digital world, including through cryptocurrencies," added Steven Mnuchin, the treasury secretary, adding: "Today's actions demonstrate our ongoing commitment to holding malign actors accountable for their crimes."