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Italy Arrests Nine, Seizes Millions in Probe of Hamas Funding via Charities

Prosecutors describe a cross-border probe that traced donations from three Italy-based charities to Hamas-linked entities.

Overview

  • Anti-terror and anti-mafia units in Genoa led coordinated raids that detained nine suspects and prompted international warrants for two others.
  • Investigators say about €7 million raised for humanitarian aid over two years was diverted, with more than 71% directed to Hamas or affiliated groups and some funds sent to relatives of attackers.
  • Authorities seized assets exceeding €8 million, including over €1 million in cash recovered from a garage in Sassuolo, after searches that included an office in Milan.
  • Among those arrested is Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, whom prosecutors call the head of Hamas’s Italian cell, while his lawyer denies financing the group.
  • The inquiry involves Eurojust coordination with Dutch authorities and reported assistance from Israeli security agencies, and prosecutors say the investigation remains active.