A well-known neo-Nazi organization is reportedly expanding its presence in the U.S. and utilizing cryptocurrency to crowdfund its activities, according to a report by The Guardian published recently.

The group, known as “The Base,” aims to dismantle society to pave the way for a “white ethnostate,” as stated by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The organization’s leader, Rinaldo Nazzaro, is a former U.S. special forces officer who has been living in Russia since 2017, as noted by the Southern Poverty Law Center. There have been speculations in the past about potential ties between Nazzaro and the Russian intelligence services, which he has vehemently denied, as reported by commentators.

The Guardian, which initially exposed Nazzaro’s identity as the group’s leader in 2020, has obtained a leaked audio message from a purported leader of the fascist organization. The voice in the message, which is distorted for anonymity, discusses the use of a “military solution” to bring about change in America. The individual in the audio appears to say, “Are we just going to be reactionary? Or are we going to be part of the solution? The military solution. Because inevitably, we’re going to end up in some sort of military situation, what are the choices?”

According to The Guardian, the audio message voice then outlines a “black scenario” where the U.S. government collapses, and members of The Base are expected to “provide for your family” and for “white women.” The voice emphasizes, “There is no political solution, only a military solution. So act accordingly.” However, the source of the audio remains unclear from the reporting.

On the day of Trump’s inauguration, The Base allegedly solicited donations through a Bitcoin wallet address, claiming the funds would be used to purchase weapons and ammunition. In January, the crypto tracking firm Chainalysis reported that while global crypto donations to extremist groups had recently declined, there was a surge in such activity in large parts of Europe.

The Base is primarily known for its activities in Europe, so the apparent surge in recruiting in the U.S. “should raise alarms,” according to an extremism researcher interviewed by The Guardian. Many experts believe that neo-Nazis are feeling emboldened to resurface after the FBI, under President Biden, cracked down on extremist groups.

The outlet also notes that it’s uncertain whether Trump’s new Justice Department, under the direction of MAGA enthusiast Kash Patel, will prioritize investigations into far-right extremism. Indeed, many expect Patel to shift the bureau’s focus from right-wing extremists to individuals on the “left” side of the political spectrum. Gizmodo has reached out to the Justice Department for comment.

Researchers of extremism have long observed that right-wing groups felt empowered during Trump’s first administration. Trump has received compliments from David Duke, the former leader of the Ku Klux Klan, and the so-called “alt-right” experienced significant growth. Now, with Trump’s new administration in place, some members of these far-right groups are not only receiving compliments from Trump but also official pardons. Notably, Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the Proud Boys, who was sentenced to 22 years in prison in 2023, recently received a full pardon from the President. Tarrio, who has previously worked as an FBI informant, has already been re-arrested. He was taken into custody on Friday after allegedly assaulting a woman who was protesting a political gathering he attended.