file photo for reference only

 

Italian police have arrested nine individuals accused of funnelling around €7 million (approximately 260 million Thai baht) to Hamas through what they describe as a "complex fundraising system." An elaborate scheme allegedly redirected these funds, initially claimed as humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians, to the militant group. The investigation also resulted in the seizure of more than €8 million (about 300 million Thai baht) in assets.

 

The operation was part of a collaborative initiative between Italy's counter-terror and financial police following the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack in southern Israel. The investigation concentrated on identifying suspicious financial transactions prior to this event. Police reports indicate that the fundraising operations had their headquarters in Genoa, with branches extending to Milan.

 

Investigators discovered that over 71% of the collected donations, intended for Gaza's civilian population, were syphoned off to support Hamas's military efforts and families of those involved in terrorism-related activities. Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi highlighted the arrest of Mohammad Hannoun, the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, as one of the case's significant figures.

 

Piantedosi acknowledged the police's efforts on social media, emphasising the importance of "presumptions of innocence" at this stage of the investigation. Mohammad Hannoun, responding to the allegations, stated his distance from Hamas while reiterating his support for the Palestinian cause.

 

Looking to the future, this development could have implications for future fundraising and monitoring activities related to organisations involved in similar charitable acts. Authorities may enhance scrutiny and regulations surrounding international donations to prevent the diversion of funds, reported the BBC.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

• Nine individuals in Italy were arrested for allegedly sending millions to Hamas.
• The operation was uncovered through analysis after a recent attack in Israel.
• More than €8 million worth of assets linked to the operation were seized by authorities.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-12-29

 

 

 

I am sure this happens in most countries for ages.  Guns don't appear out of thin air.  Is there a politician in the west who

has the backbone to do what is right and get rid of these terrorists?