AMSTERDAM - A 32-year-old man from North Holland was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of financing terrorism through Bitcoin transactions and violating the Dutch Sanctions Act. The arrest was made and reported by the Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD). Authorities searched the suspect's residence, seizing mobile phones and other digital storage devices as part of the ongoing investigation.  

The investigation began after the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) received a report from a cryptocurrency exchange about unusual transactions. The report indicated that in 2020, the suspect sent Bitcoin to wallet addresses suspected of being linked to terrorist organizations. 

Using advanced crypto-analysis techniques, the FIOD determined that the suspect made multiple Bitcoin transfers in 2020 and 2022, likely reaching terrorist groups. Europol supported the investigation by providing data analysis and facilitating international cooperation 

Financing terrorism through Bitcoin has allegedly become an increasing global concern. Investigations in Europe and the United States have shown that terrorist groups, including ISIS and Al-Qaeda, actively solicit Bitcoin donations. Some organizations disguise themselves as charitable entities to collect Bitcoins, ultimately funding terrorist activities.