During the investigative activities, nine individuals were arrested and assets worth over 8 million euros were seized. The investigation began after the discovery of suspicious financial transactions that indicated a complex network of international money transfers.
The investigation suggests that the detainees were members of Hamas and actively contributed to its financing. According to investigators, a significant portion of the collected funds was not used for humanitarian needs but was directed towards supporting terrorist activities, including planning attacks on Israel. Estimates indicate that around 7 million euros were transferred to the Gaza Strip and Palestinian territories to strengthen the group's military strategy.
According to the investigation, several associations, including the Charity Association for Solidarity with the Palestinian People (ABSPP), played a key role in this scheme. Mohammad Hannun, the main figure of the Italian cell, allegedly oversaw fundraising and redirected over 71% of donations to Hamas's military structures. To circumvent international financial checks, the suspects used new names and abbreviations, including the association "Golden Dome".
Among the recipients of the funds, the investigation highlights Osama Alisavi, who previously held the position of minister in the Hamas government in Gaza. It was also established that the money was used to support the families of terrorists who carried out suicide attacks.
Intercepted phone calls and analysis of seized servers in Genoa helped uncover materials related to the military training of young recruits and the glorification of "martyrs." Some of the suspects were identified through photographs showing them in the military uniform of the "Al-Qassam Brigades."
In a statement, the Italian state police emphasized that the results of the investigation do not diminish the severity of the crimes committed against the Palestinian population following October 7, 2023, as a result of Israeli operations. However, these events cannot serve as a justification for the terrorist acts committed by Hamas and its allies against civilians. The police also reminded that an assessment of the relevant crimes is expected from the International Criminal Court.
The investigation, initiated after the attack on October 7, 2023, was conducted in cooperation with the authorities of the Netherlands and Israel, which facilitated the tracking of financial flows and intercepted communications.
