Feb 9 โ€ข 04:00 UTC ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Italy Il Giornale

Cryptocurrencies to Finance Moscow's War: A Flood of Donations from EU Citizens (and Italians)

The article discusses the alarming rise of donations from EU citizens, including Italians, to finance the Russian military in its war against Ukraine, facilitated through a Telegram group that encourages such financial support.

The article highlights serious concerns raised by a Telegram group named 'Operazione Z', which has over 1.5 million followers and is believed to be linked to Kremlin-affiliated disinformation. The group has openly discussed violent threats against Italian officials, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and various donation methods to support the Russian military against Ukraine. Users are reportedly sharing instructions not just for material support like equipment and supplies, but also for purchasing lethal weapons such as drones and high-performance ammunition designed for snipers.

The presence of this group illustrates a troubling trend of European citizens, particularly from Italy, contributing financial resources to a conflict that has globally destabilizing impacts. The article notes various types of equipment that are being sought by group members for donation, reinforcing the seriousness of the situation. Donations reportedly include both non-lethal supplies like thermal vision gear and critical military hardware directly used in warfare, deepening concerns about the support network developing for the Russian military in Europe.

In light of these revelations, Italian authorities are urged to monitor such activities closely to prevent the potential financing of war efforts and ensure the safety of citizens. This trend of using cryptocurrencies for warfare resourcing may have wider implications for international security and the accountability of financial transactions in conflict zones, thereby challenging regulatory frameworks within Europe and beyond.

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