Italy’s National Anti-Mafia and Counterterrorism Prosecutor’s Office, together with the Genoa prosecutor’s office, has ordered the arrest of nine individuals accused of belonging to and financing Hamas through fundraising activities presented as humanitarian aid.
By the Numbers: The measures include both custodial arrests and asset seizures exceeding €8 million.
- Prosecutors allege that more than €7 million was raised and transferred to Hamas, particularly following the group’s October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.
- According to investigators, more than 70% of the funds collected for humanitarian purposes were diverted to Hamas or affiliated entities.
Who was arrested: Among those detained is Mohammed Hannoun, described by prosecutors as a senior Hamas operative active abroad and a key figure in the alleged Italian network.
- Hannoun is linked to the Associazione Benefica di Solidarietà con il Popolo Palestinese (ABSPP), one of the associations allegedly used to channel funds.
- According to prosecutors, Hannoun, together with other Italian and foreign figures, established the Italian cell of Hamas by using the long-standing Associazione Benefica di Solidarietà con il Popolo Palestinese (A.B.S.P.P.) and its later iteration, A.B.S.P.P. O.D.V., as well as newly created entities such as La Cupola d’Oro and La Palma, which investigators say were set up to circumvent banking restrictions imposed after initial account freezes.
- Other suspects are described as Hamas members operating outside Italy with roles in propaganda, fundraising, and financial transfers.
- Authorities also arrested Osama Alisawi, identified as a former minister in Hamas’ de facto government in Gaza, allegedly in constant contact with Hannoun and other members of the network.
How the network allegedly worked. Investigators say the system relied on donations collected through associations, public fundraising initiatives, and extensive use of cash. Funds raised in Italy were allegedly transferred through foreign-based associations, including some in Turkey, before reaching Hamas-linked entities in Gaza and elsewhere.
Zoom in: the operation. The operation involved Italy’s DIGOS counterterrorism police and the Guardia di Finanza and was based on financial transaction analysis, wiretaps, and monitoring of money flows.
- The investigation also benefited from judicial cooperation with other European countries, particularly the Netherlands, including coordination meetings organized by Eurojust.
- Israeli authorities contributed documentation through judicial cooperation channels. Italian prosecutors say the associations involved are considered part of Hamas’ external network.
Legal and investigative context. Prosecutors stress that the alleged financing activity was not sporadic or the result of individual initiatives but part of a structured strategy by Hamas to establish overseas cells tasked with fundraising and support.
- The investigation was launched following an analysis of suspicious financial transaction reports, some of which predate the October 7 attacks, and focuses on alleged conduct that began before and continued after that date.
- Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the European Union in its entirety, including both its political and military wings.
What officials are saying: In a joint statement, National Anti-Mafia and Counterterrorism Prosecutor Giovanni Melillo and Genoa Chief Prosecutor Nicola Piacente said the investigation does not diminish the gravity of violence committed against the Palestinian civilian population, for which a judgment by the International Criminal Court is awaited.
- However, they added, such crimes “cannot justify or legitimize acts of terrorism,” including those carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
- Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said the operation “lifted the veil” on dangerous activities allegedly hidden behind pro-Palestinian initiatives and reaffirmed the government’s high level of alert regarding Islamist terrorist financing.
- “I wish to express my appreciation and satisfaction for this operation, which was particularly complex and significant and led to the arrest of nine individuals accused of financing Hamas through a number of associations allegedly presented as charitable,” said Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
- She referred to Hannoun as the ”head of Hamas’ Italian cell.”
- “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks, personally and on behalf of the entire government, to all those who made this operation possible — the Genoa prosecutor’s office, the National Anti-Mafia and Counterterrorism Directorate, the State Police, the Guardia di Finanza, as well as the intelligence support provided by AISE, Italy’s foreign intelligence agency,” she added.
What’s next: Judicial proceedings are ongoing. Italian authorities say the case reinforces concerns that the country remains a point of interest for international terrorist financing networks operating across Europe under humanitarian or solidarity frameworks.
