Italian police have arrested nine people accused of raising about €7m for Hamas over more than two years. Investigators say the money was presented as humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians but was diverted to the militant group.
Police said the funds were channelled through a complex fundraising system. More than €8m in assets have been seized as part of the operation. The suspects are accused of financing activities linked to terrorism.
The arrests followed a joint investigation by Italy’s counter-terror police and financial police. Authorities said the inquiry began after the Hamas attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023.
Investigators analysed suspicious financial transactions involving several suspects before the attack. Police said the fundraising network was based in Genoa, with branches operating in Milan.
According to police, more than 71% of donated funds were diverted to Hamas. The money allegedly financed the group’s military wing and supported families of suicide bombers or detained militants.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said one of the best-known suspects is Mohammad Hannoun. He is the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy. Hannoun has previously denied allegations that he finances Hamas. Piantedosi praised police work but stressed that the presumption of innocence must be respected at this stage.
