Ziyadh Hoorzook, a South African accused of sending Bitcoin to a group connected to ISIS (Islamic State) has been released on bail. Authorities later found out that the organization had ties to ISIS and he is said to have donated over $600 of Bitcoin to the organization back in 2017. Hoorzook would also be released from prison after he paid a bail of around 30,000 rands (around $1,616), the court decided.
However, Hoorzook denies having known the organisation, called Al Sadaqah, was linked to terrorism. At the time, there was a major human rights crisis in Syria, and he says he believed it was a charitable group which helped people in the war torn country. Because well known Islamic figures were promoting the organization, he says he had chosen the organization.
🇿🇦🚓 A South African man accused of sending bitcoin (BTC) worth just over $600 to an Islamic State affiliate in Syria is set to be released from remand prison after a court approved his bail application. A Lichtenburg magistrate ruled that the state failed to prove Ziyadh…
— Bitcoin.com News (@BTCTN) January 31, 2025
On the other hand, South African police argue Hoorzook knew the group had terrorist connections. They claim to have found evidence, videos, images and articles promoting violence, on his electronic devices. These materials, according to them, indicate that Hoorzook realised that the money he donated could be used to fund terrorist activities.
Attention has been drawn to this case because South Africa is trying to improve its efforts against financing of terrorism. The country was added to the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list in 2023 for not going far enough in preventing illegally conducted financial activities, such as those related to terrorism. For some, prosecuting Hoorzook is the government’s way of showing it is serious about fighting terrorism financing and reclaiming its seat on the world stage.
Hoorzook’s case has now been pushed back until March 2025, and this matter could have a big part to play in how South Africa handles terrorism financing in future.
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