Italian Authorities Uncover Transnational Network Accused of Raising Millions for Hamas Financing Linked to October 7 Attack
Nine suspects are detained in Italy in a major counter-terrorism operation over alleged diversion of charitable funds to Hamas and associated entities with ties extending across Europe including links to the United Kingdom
Italian law enforcement has arrested nine individuals suspected of operating a complex financial network that allegedly raised and diverted millions of euros to support Hamas and its affiliated organisations, including activities linked to the October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel.
The sweeping anti-terrorism operation, led by the Genoa District Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism Directorate with cooperation from the Guardia di Finanza and international partners, revealed what prosecutors describe as years-long fundraising under the guise of humanitarian aid.
Authorities estimate that the network channelled approximately €7 million, or around £6 million, to entities in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel that are owned, controlled or linked to Hamas, with over seventy-one percent of the funds allegedly diverted from declared charitable purposes to support the group’s military wing and related financial needs.
The suspects face charges of financing terrorism and conspiracy under Italian law, with precautionary measures including pretrial detention and asset seizures exceeding €8 million.
Prosecutors allege the operation used ostensibly legitimate charities and associations based in Genoa and Milan to collect public donations and then funnel them through complex “triangulation” financial schemes involving bank transfers and intermediary organisations abroad, including networks in the Netherlands, Austria, France and the United Kingdom.
Investigators also point to alleged support for families of individuals involved in suicide attacks and those detained for terrorism offences, which prosecutors say strengthened Hamas’s operational capacity.
Among the key figures is Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Associazione Benefica di Solidarietà con il Popolo Palestinese, whom prosecutors identify as the leader of the alleged Italian cell.
Italian authorities have also issued international arrest warrants for two additional suspects believed to be outside the country.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi described the operation as uncovering activities that “lifted the veil” on conduct that concealed support for and participation in terrorist organisations, while emphasising the presumption of innocence as the legal process advances.
The investigation concluded months of financial monitoring, wiretaps and cooperation with European partners, underscoring heightened vigilance against the exploitation of humanitarian appeals to finance militancy.
The sweeping anti-terrorism operation, led by the Genoa District Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism Directorate with cooperation from the Guardia di Finanza and international partners, revealed what prosecutors describe as years-long fundraising under the guise of humanitarian aid.
Authorities estimate that the network channelled approximately €7 million, or around £6 million, to entities in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel that are owned, controlled or linked to Hamas, with over seventy-one percent of the funds allegedly diverted from declared charitable purposes to support the group’s military wing and related financial needs.
The suspects face charges of financing terrorism and conspiracy under Italian law, with precautionary measures including pretrial detention and asset seizures exceeding €8 million.
Prosecutors allege the operation used ostensibly legitimate charities and associations based in Genoa and Milan to collect public donations and then funnel them through complex “triangulation” financial schemes involving bank transfers and intermediary organisations abroad, including networks in the Netherlands, Austria, France and the United Kingdom.
Investigators also point to alleged support for families of individuals involved in suicide attacks and those detained for terrorism offences, which prosecutors say strengthened Hamas’s operational capacity.
Among the key figures is Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Associazione Benefica di Solidarietà con il Popolo Palestinese, whom prosecutors identify as the leader of the alleged Italian cell.
Italian authorities have also issued international arrest warrants for two additional suspects believed to be outside the country.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi described the operation as uncovering activities that “lifted the veil” on conduct that concealed support for and participation in terrorist organisations, while emphasising the presumption of innocence as the legal process advances.
The investigation concluded months of financial monitoring, wiretaps and cooperation with European partners, underscoring heightened vigilance against the exploitation of humanitarian appeals to finance militancy.
