A investigation match from National Anti-Mafia Prosecutor's Office e anti-terrorism in Genoa brought to light a complex system of illicit financing in favor of Hamas, the terrorist organization responsible for the massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023. The operation, coordinated with the Digos and the Guardia di Finanza, led to the execution of nine arrest warrants, seven of which have already been performed, while two people are still fugitives, and the seizure of assets and financial resources between 7 and 8 million euros.
Hamas-Italy: How Illicit Financing Worked
The money was collected in Italy by three associations officially dedicated to humanitarian purposes: I'Palestinian Solidarity Charity Association (ABSPP) of Genoa, founded in 1994, theVolunteer Organization 2003 and The Golden Dome of Milan, also born in 2003. Behind the cover of initiatives in favor of the Palestinian population, the funds were instead diverted to Hamas through international banking triangulations, foreign bank transfers e linked accounts to organizations and leaders of the movement. Only a portion of the funds went to humanitarian purposes, while the remainder was allocated to supporting the terrorist organization's operational activities, including support for the families of attackers or detainees, strengthening its network of support.
Hamas Scandal: The Creator of the Network in Italy
At the heart of the system was Mohammad Hanun, president of the ABSPP and considered the head of Hamas's foreign wing in Italy. Hannoun, known for his direct contacts with Italian politicians and invited to Parliament, led fundraising for over twenty years, diverting over 70% of the funds to Hamas and its affiliates. After October 7, 2023 alone, investigators estimate that Hannoun transferred at least €7,3 million. The prosecution alleges that Hannoun created a veritable operational cell in Italy, instrumental in the terrorist organization's international strategy.
The others arrested and involved
The others arrested, including Dawoud Ra'Ed Hussny Mousa, Elasaly Yaser, Al Salahat Raed, Albustanji Riyad Abdelrahim Jaber e Osama Alisawi, a former Hamas minister and co-founder of the ABSPP, were involved in the management of funds, propaganda, and operational activities of the Italian cell. Other individuals, including Abu Rawwa Adel Ibrahim Salameh, Abu Deiah Khalil e Abdu Saleh Mohammed Ismail, are accused of external complicity and of having transferred money abroad. Two suspects are still at large, residing in the Gaza Strip and Turkey, respectively.
Investigation and international cooperation
The investigation was developed through interception, monitoring of financial flows e documentary acquisitions, with an intense collaboration international, particularly with the Netherlands, Eurojust, and Israeli authorities. The Genoa DIGOS (Special Operations Unit), together with the Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police), carried out searches and seized documents, computers, and cash, also freezing bank accounts and real estate assets linked to the suspects. Mohammad Hannoun is currently in Marassi prison, awaiting validation interrogations.
Despite the blockades and Hannoun's arrest, the Palestinian People's Solidarity Charity Association reiterated in a statement its willingness to continue its solidarity activities with the Palestinian population, confirming the distinction between humanitarian and terrorist goals pursued by some members of the network.
Meloni and Piantedosi welcome the operation against Hamas funding.
The President of the Council Giorgia Meloni expressed his "satisfaction with the operation," calling it of great complexity and importance, and thanked the Genoa Prosecutor's Office, the National Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism Directorate, the State Police, and the Guardia di Finanza, as well as the information support provided by the AISE. The Interior Minister also Matteo Piantedosi He emphasized that the operation had deprived terrorism of resources and operational capabilities, declaring that "our police forces, among the best in the world," had enabled the identification of suspicious financial flows and the blocking of funds destined for Hamas. The initiative sparked a political debate: the majority reiterated the need to fight terrorism, while the opposition He emphasized that "it's important to fight terrorism, but not to criminalize the pro-Pal demonstration." He also emphasized distinguishing between legitimate solidarity with the Palestinian population and criminal activity. Israel He called the operation an important step in the fight against Hamas.
