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Italy Arrests Nine, Seizes €7 Million in Alleged Hamas Funding Cell

Prosecutors built the case on Israeli‑sourced files alongside intercepts, which judges will now test in court.

Overview

  • Nine suspects, including activist Mohammad Hannoun, were detained on a Genoa judge’s order after pre‑dawn raids by Digos and the Guardia di Finanza.
  • Authorities froze about €7 million and found roughly €200,000 in cash, saying Italy‑based charities collected millions that were not used for humanitarian aid.
  • Investigators cite Israeli‑provided documents, images and phone data, plus wiretaps referencing coordination with Hamas and internal control of the funds.
  • Prosecutors allege around 70% of donations were diverted to Hamas or linked groups, with transfers routed through Turkey, Jordan and Egypt.
  • Defense lawyers deny wrongdoing and note prior archived cases, as at least one named figure, former Hamas minister Osama Alisawi, remains at large.