Italy Busts $8.2 Million Hamas Scam

December 30, 2025

Italian authorities have dismantled a sophisticated €7 million ($8.2 million) Hamas funding operation run through three fraudulent charities, leading to nine arrests and two international warrants. The operation, directed by Mohammad Hannoun, head of the Italian Hamas cell, diverted over 71% of the raised funds to Hamas-controlled entities in Gaza. This decisive action, spearheaded by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, exposes how sham charities exploited migrant networks to finance terrorism.

Story Highlights

Italian authorities arrested nine suspects in Italy and issued warrants for two more, dismantling a €7 million ($8.2 million) Hamas funding scam run through three fake charities.
Mohammad Hannoun, head of the Italian Hamas cell and president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, led the operation, diverting over 71% of funds to Hamas-linked groups in Gaza.
Under PM Giorgia Meloni’s leadership, Italy acted decisively with EU partners, contrasting Europe’s usual soft stance on migrant-linked terror financing.
U.S. Treasury had already sanctioned Hannoun’s group, highlighting global efforts to choke Hamas funding post-October 2023 attacks.

Arrests Dismantle Hamas Funding Network

Italian anti-terrorism prosecutors arrested nine individuals on December 27, 2025, and issued international warrants for two others linked to three charitable organizations. These groups fraudulently raised approximately 7 million euros, equivalent to $8.2 million. Over 71% of the funds went to Hamas-controlled entities in Gaza, the Palestinian territories, and Israel. The operation used bank transfers and triangulation through foreign organizations to launder money. Hamas, listed as a terrorist group by the EU, received the bulk despite humanitarian claims. This bust underscores Italy’s firm action against terror financing hidden in plain sight.

Italian Authorities Arrest 9 for Allegedly Funding Hamas Through Charities
https://t.co/6AU8GIStYv

— Asharq Al-Awsat English (@aawsat_eng) December 27, 2025

Mohammad Hannoun Leads Italian Hamas Cell

Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, directed the scheme as the “head of the Italian cell of the Hamas organization.” His Charity Association of Solidarity with the Palestinian People served as a key front. The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC had previously sanctioned Hannoun and his group in a post-October 2023 crackdown on Hamas financiers. Funds flowed to Hamas military and political arms, declared illegal by Israel. Italy faces rising Islamic migration pressures, making such networks a direct security threat. Prosecutors collaborated with EU countries to map the hierarchical operation.

Italian authorities arrest 9 suspected of quietly funneling over $8M to Hamas organizations: ‘The veil has been torn’ https://t.co/E0aaGY7Vlw pic.twitter.com/8FSrZt96U0

— New York Post (@nypost) December 27, 2025

PM Meloni’s Italy Contrasts European Weakness

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government drove the probe, marking a rare competent response to migrant-linked fraud funding terrorism. Europe has long been a hub for Hamas fundraising via sham charities, potentially raising $10 million monthly as of 2024. Italy’s actions highlight broader migration challenges where lax policies enable terror networks. Taxpayers funded these scams under humanitarian guises, diverting aid from true Palestinian civilians. The arrests reinforce narratives tying unchecked immigration to security risks, pressuring stricter vetting across the continent.

Hamas exploits Gaza crises through international fronts, with Europe hosting established operations. U.S. sanctions targeted similar Italy-based efforts before the arrests. Professor Andrew Leam, an international affairs professional, confirms funds went primarily to Hamas’s terror and political arms. He predicts intensified scrutiny on charities to block diversions. RedState analysis praises Meloni’s win and anticipates wider exposures through suspect interrogations.

Impacts Signal Broader Anti-Terror Push

The bust disrupts immediate funding flows and seizes over €7 million, hitting Hamas operations. Short-term, EU oversight on charities will likely freeze similar schemes. Long-term, it could unravel larger European Hamas networks, leading to deportations and prison terms. Italian and EU taxpayers bear the fraud costs, while Palestinian aid suffers diversion. Economically, funds redirect from terrorists, though oversight adds regulatory burdens. Globally, it urges closer monitoring of Gaza humanitarian streams. U.S. Treasury views underscore Hamas’s exploitation of suffering via fronts like Hannoun’s.

Watch the report: Italian Police Arrest Nine Over Alleged Multi-Million-Euro Hamas Funding Scheme