Nine arrested in Italy for allegedly raising millions for Hamas
Italian authorities arrested nine individuals accused of raising approximately €7 million for Hamas under the guise of humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians over a span of two years. This initiative, part of a joint operation by counter-terror and financial police, stemmed from suspicious financial transactions identified after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in southern Israel. Investigators revealed that over 71% of the donations intended for Gaza's civilian population were diverted to support Hamas's military operations. Significant assets worth over €8 million were also seized during the crackdown. The case has drawn attention to the complexities of charity funding and its potential misuse for terrorism, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding financial networks supporting militant activities.
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The arrests were made in response to an investigation that began following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which prompted scrutiny of financial transactions linked to the suspects.
The fundraising operations were reportedly centered in Genoa, with additional branches in Milan, indicating a widespread network of financial solicitation.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi highlighted Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, as a notable suspect; he has previously denied any ties to Hamas financing.
The police reported that a substantial portion of the raised funds—over 71%—was redirected to support Hamas's military wing and assist families of individuals involved in terrorism.
The police seized assets totaling more than €8 million as part of their investigation, underscoring the significant financial implications of the alleged operations.
The case reflects broader concerns about the intersection of humanitarian efforts and the potential for misuse to finance militant activities, raising questions about oversight in charitable fundraising.
Authorities emphasized the importance of the presumption of innocence for the arrested individuals while acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations.