Islamophobic Graffiti in London Linked to Crypto Bounty Campaign

In recent weeks, Islamophobic graffiti has emerged on mosques in east and south London, prompting local authorities to investigate a digital campaign operating through various Telegram groups, English Yabiladi reported. These groups reportedly offered cryptocurrency rewards, including £100, for creating what they described as the “most beautiful graffiti.”

Participants were also encouraged to commit violent acts against Muslims, with content promoting Quran burnings, bomb-making instructions, and knife attacks. Posters featuring QR codes connecting to these groups have been found in public spaces.

The anti-racist organization Hope Not Hate has raised concerns about potential pro-Russian ties among the group administrators, noting similarities with accounts based in Russia or Belarus. This network has a history of spreading both anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim rhetoric, coinciding with a 73% increase in Islamophobic violence in 2024. In response, Telegram has removed the identified channels, reiterating its prohibition against calls for violence.