Extremists’ Crypto Love Affair: Europe Joins the Party! 💃

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Hold onto your hats, folks! The Wild Wild West of cryptocurrency is getting wilder by the day! According to a recent report by the U.S.-based blockchain watchdog Chainalysis, extremist groups worldwide have found a new best friend in digital dough, and Europe is jumping on the bandwagon with alarming enthusiasm! 😱

Now, don’t get me wrong, North America is still the undisputed heavyweight champion of extremist crypto donations, with a whopping $20 million in contributions. But, Europe? Oh, Europe is giving everyone a run for their money! The old continent has seen a sharp increase in crypto-fueled fanaticism, especially since 2017!

Chainalysis, using public sanctions lists and research from organizations specializing in extremism and terrorism financing, found that Europe’s share of the loot has skyrocketed, accounting for nearly 50% of total inflows between 2022 and 2024! 🤯

“A concerning trend among ideological groups is the deliberate blending of ideologies to broaden appeal. For example, movements might combine homophobic rhetoric with white supremacist or pro-Russia themes, strategically attracting wider audiences by capitalizing on overlapping grievances and similar narratives.”

– Chainalysis

While the total inflows are growing, the average donation size remains relatively small, usually a few hundred dollars. But, here’s the kicker: donor intensity is increasing, especially in Europe! And larger contributions often coincide with major political events, with donors either celebrating wins or throwing a pity party after losses! 🎊

And, let’s not forget about privacy coins like Monero (XMR)! These sneaky little devils are becoming a favorite among some extremist groups looking to avoid scrutiny in regions with strict hate speech laws, like Germany and Austria! It’s a growing challenge in tackling extremist funding globally, and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down! 🕵️‍♂️

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2025-01-24 16:52