Italian authorities have arrested nine individuals suspected of channelling funds to the Palestinian group Hamas under the guise of charitable donations. The operation was coordinated by the Genoa District Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism Directorate, with support from the State Police and the Guardia di Finanza.
Prosecutors allege that three charitable associations — two based in Genoa and one in Milan — raised approximately €7–7.3 million, ostensibly for humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip. More than 71 per cent of these funds were allegedly diverted to entities owned, controlled by, or linked to Hamas. Assets seized in the raids totalled more than €8 million, including over €1 million in cash.
Among those detained is Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Association of Palestinians in Italy, whom investigators identify as the head of Hamas’s Italian cell. Seven suspects were arrested in Italy, while two others are believed to be abroad, in Turkey and the Gaza Strip.
The investigation began prior to the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks, after suspicious financial transactions were flagged. It was conducted with the cooperation of Dutch authorities and other EU member states through Eurojust. Funds were allegedly transferred via complex triangulation schemes involving bank transfers and intermediary organisations overseas.Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said the operation had “lifted the veil on activities that, while purporting to assist the Palestinian population, in fact provided support for terrorist organisations.” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also welcomed the results of the investigation.