Italian prosecutors say nine people tied to three charities were arrested for allegedly diverting about €7 million (≈$8.2M) to groups linked to Hamas. Police allege over 71% of donations intended for humanitarian aid were redirected to Hamas or affiliates, with some funds reportedly reaching relatives implicated in attacks. Officials say the money was moved via 'triangulation' bank transfers and foreign intermediaries; Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi described the operation as a significant exposure of disguised support for terrorism.
Italy Arrests Nine Over Alleged €7M Charity Funnel To Hamas
Italian authorities arrest 9 people who allegedly used charities to funnel more than $8m to Hamas
Italian authorities have arrested nine people connected to three charities on suspicion of diverting about €7 million (roughly $8.2 million) to organisations linked to Hamas, anti-terrorism prosecutors said, according to the Associated Press.
What Prosecutors Allege
Investigators say the charities presented themselves as collecting donations 'for humanitarian purposes for the Palestinian people,' but police told The Times of Israel that more than 71% of the funds were allegedly earmarked for the direct financing of Hamas or affiliated groups. Authorities also claim some money reached family members implicated in terrorist attacks.
Hamas terrorists stand guard on the day of the handover of hostages held in Gaza since the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, attack as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Feb. 22, 2025.
Prosecutors identified one of the detained as Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, whom they described as the head of what they called the 'Italian cell' of Hamas.
Officials say the transfers were carried out through so-called 'triangulation' operations, moving funds by bank transfer or routing them through overseas organisations to associations in Gaza that Israel has declared illegal because of their ties to Hamas.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi called the operation 'important and significant,' saying it lifted the veil on activities that disguised support for terrorist organisations under the cover of humanitarian initiatives.
Context
Hamas has governed the Gaza Strip since 2006 and is designated a terrorist organisation by the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and other countries and international bodies. The Associated Press and The Times of Israel reported the investigation; Fox News Digital said it contacted Israel's embassy in Italy for comment.
