Italy arrests nine over alleged €7 million Hamas financing network

Italian authorities have arrested nine people accused of financing Hamas with more than €7 million through charitable associations, following a major counterterrorism operation by police and the Guardia di Finanza.

The arrests were carried out under precautionary measures ordered by an investigating judge at the request of the District Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism Directorate in Genoa, as per Italian media.

All nine suspects were placed in pretrial detention, and measures were also imposed on three associations.

Among those arrested is Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Association of Palestinians in Italy.

Investigators describe him as a member of Hamas’s foreign branch and the alleged head of the organisation’s Italian cell. 

According to police, Hannoun and his close associates operated for years through the Association of Charity and Solidarity with the Palestinian People (A.b.s.p.p.), collecting funds that were allegedly diverted, wholly or in part, to Hamas.

The investigation began with the analysis of suspicious financial transactions and expanded through cooperation with Italian prosecutors and authorities in the Netherlands and other EU countries. Prosecutors say the alleged financing was carried out through three charitable organisations using “triangulation” schemes involving bank transfers and foreign-based associations. Funds were allegedly sent to Gaza-based organisations declared illegal by Israel because of their links to Hamas, or directly to Hamas figures, including Osama Alisawi, a former transport minister in Hamas’s de facto government in Gaza.

Authorities estimate that approximately €7.28 million was transferred over several years. Although the funds were officially raised for humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Italy and abroad, investigators say more than 71% ultimately went to Hamas or to organisations linked to or controlled by it.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said the investigation had uncovered activities that allegedly hid terrorist support behind humanitarian initiatives, while stressing the presumption of innocence.

National Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor Giovanni Melillo and Genoa Prosecutor Nicola Piacente emphasised that "the investigation does not diminish alleged crimes committed against Palestinian civilians in Gaza after October 7, 2023, nor can such crimes justify acts of terrorism carried out by Hamas".

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani praised the operation, calling it "a significant blow to Hamas financing from Italy."

Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said he hoped all Hamas financiers would be identified and prosecuted.

By Tamilla Hasanova