General

Italian authorities have taken into custody nine individuals suspected of raising approximately €7 million (£6 million) for Hamas over a period exceeding two years. According to a police statement, the funds were claimed to be for humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, but were actually funneled to the militant group through a “complex fundraising system.” In addition to the arrests, law enforcement officials reported the seizure of over €8 million (£7 million) in assets during the investigation. The suspects face charges related to financing operations believed to support terrorist activities. These arrests are part of a collaborative effort between Italy’s counter-terrorism police and financial police. The investigation was sparked by the Hamas attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Authorities examined “a series of reports of suspicious financial transactions” involving some suspects leading up to the attack. Investigators revealed a “complex” fundraising operation based in Genoa, with branches in Milan. According to the police statement, “The suspects collected donations meant for the civilian population of Gaza; however, it was found that over 71% of these funds were redirected to Hamas to finance its military wing and to assist the families of suicide bombers or those imprisoned for terrorism.”