Charity Associations Used in Terror Financing, Including the President of Palestinian Association in Italy
Italian authorities have arrested nine individuals. Among them is Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Association of Palestinians in Italy. They are accused of funnelling approximately €7 million to the terrorist organisation Hamas through charity associations. The police and the Guardia di Finanza conducted the operation jointly. The District Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism Directorate in Genoa coordinated the effort.
An internal Hamas document is included in the Genoa investigation files. It details the organisation’s activities aimed at winning hearts and converting people. The document also explains how they gain support and recruit new activists for the movement. The described activities are varied. They range from educational initiatives to those closely linked to the military sector. These activities include training young people for future leadership roles within Hamas. They also involve operations within the student sector at the Student Military Camp (Command Training Institute). Additionally, they provide education on the status of martyrs and prisoners. Symposiums on Jihad and the organisation’s holy warriors are also conducted. These activities are carried out with the support of Hamas’s charitable associations. Investigators consider the telephone conversations and contacts between Hannoun and those in similar roles to be many. They also find them significant. These communications are believed to show an extensive network. This network is internationally organised and includes individuals and institutions involved in fundraising. This is apparently intended for charitable purposes and in support of the Palestinian people and cause.
The probe began before 7 October 2023, following suspicious banking activity tied to Hannoun and several associations. Investigators, working with counterparts in the Netherlands and across the EU, allege the funds were moved via three charities. These charities were officially for humanitarian purposes. In reality, over 71% of the funds directly supported Hamas or its affiliates. This includes transactions to known Hamas figures in Gaza.
Arrest warrants were issued for all nine suspects, who have been remanded in custody, as well as three associations. Among those arrested are several senior members and employees of the Association of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (A.b.s.p.p.), including Ra’Ed Hussny Mousa Dawoud, Raed Al Salahat, Yaser Elasaly, and Jaber Abdelrahim Albustanji Riyad. Osama Alisawi, a former Hamas minister and co-founder of A.b.s.p.p., was also detained.
The suspects are accused of running a long-standing Italian Hamas cell. They are also suspected of funnelling millions of euros under the guise of aid. Investigators cited intercepted conversations and evidence of approval for terrorist attacks, strengthening the prosecution’s case.
There is evidence that Hannoun planned to relocate his operations to Turkey, increasing the risk of flight and evidence tampering. Investigators also found that electronic devices had been repeatedly wiped.
Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the operation. They highlighted its complexity. They also emphasized its importance for national security. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also congratulated those involved in dismantling the alleged terror-financing ring.
Matteo Salvini, Deputy Prime Minister, called for the expulsion of any suspects in Italy illegally. He reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to peace and support for the Palestinian people. He noted that criminal actions must not justify terrorism.
Prosecutors noted that the investigation exposes significant terror-financing activity. However, it does not overshadow alleged crimes committed against Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023. It also does not excuse terrorist acts by Hamas. The events have renewed debate about the oversight of international charity operations. They have also sparked discussions on balancing humanitarian support and national security.
ANSA
