Nine individuals connected to three nonprofit organizations have been detained by Italian officials, accused of collecting millions of dollars on behalf of .
Approximately 7 million euros ($8.2 million) was allegedly diverted by the accused to “associations located in Gaza, the Palestinian territories, or Israel, that are owned, controlled, or connected to Hamas,” anti-terrorism prosecutors stated in a release, as reported by .
While the charities claimed to gather contributions “for humanitarian aid for the Palestinian population,” over 71% of the money was allocated for direct funding of Hamas or groups connected to the terrorist organization, as police sources indicated to . The publication added that authorities alleged portions of the funds reached “relatives involved in terrorist acts.”
Among those taken into custody was Mohammad Hannoun, head of the Palestinian Association in Italy, according to AP reporting based on prosecutor statements. Prosecutors characterized Hannoun as leading “the Italian branch of the Hamas organization,” the news agency noted.
The money was transferred to the terrorist group using “triangulation schemes” through wire transfers or via foreign-based organizations to Gaza-based associations that have been designated due to their connections with Hamas, according to AP reports.
Interior Minister Matteo Paintedosi described the arrests as “important and significant,” saying they “revealed conduct and operations that, while presented as efforts to assist the Palestinian people, actually hid backing for and involvement in .”
Hamas has governed the Gaza Strip since 2006 and is regarded as a terrorist group by numerous countries and international bodies. The United States, United Kingdom, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Israel, and the European Union are among those labeling Hamas a terrorist organization.
Digital contacted Israel’s embassy in Italy for a statement.