Image Credentials: Image Title: Italian Authorities Dismantle Major Hamas Fundraising Network; 9 Arrested Source: (sora.openai) Date: December 2025. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (sora.openai) and does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies | December 27, 2025
ROME, Italy — Italian security forces have arrested nine individuals accused of orchestrating a sophisticated financial network that funneled millions of dollars to the militant group Hamas. The operation, led by the State Police and the Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police), targeted a fundraising system that allegedly diverted humanitarian donations intended for civilians in Gaza toward terrorist activities.
The Investigation and Arrests
The coordinated raids took place across several Italian cities, with the investigation centered on the headquarters in Genoa and key associates in Milan. According to Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, the operation “tore away the veil” on activities that used the facade of charitable initiatives to support organizations with “actual terrorist aims of an Islamist nature.”
Among those detained is Mohammad Hannoun, the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy. Hannoun, a well-known figure in Italy’s Palestinian community, has previously denied allegations of financing terrorism. However, investigators claim he was the architect of a network involving three specific charities used to launder and transfer funds.
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
Financial Diversion and Laundering
The joint counter-terrorism and financial investigation was launched immediately following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Over the course of two years, the group allegedly raised approximately $8.2 million.
Police reports revealed a stark disparity between the public claims of the fundraisers and the destination of the money:
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Humanitarian Pretext: The suspects solicited donations under the guise of providing food, medicine, and aid to the civilian population of Gaza.
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Diversion Rate: Investigators found that 71% of the total funds were diverted directly to the coffers of Hamas.
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Use of Funds: The diverted money was reportedly used to finance Hamas’ military wing and provide financial support to the families of suicide bombers and individuals detained for terrorism offenses.
Government and Global Context
Interior Minister Piantedosi emphasized that this investigation highlights a danger to which the Italian government is paying the “utmost attention.” He noted that while the presumption of innocence remains, the evidence suggests a calculated effort to conceal support for an Islamist organization behind legitimate-looking humanitarian work.
Hamas is designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the United States, the European Union, and several other nations. The Italian authorities are now working to trace the full extent of the money laundering trail to see if further associates are involved across Europe.
Operational Summary
| Feature | Details |
| Total Arrests | 9 Individuals |
| Lead Suspect | Mohammad Hannoun (President, Palestinian Association in Italy) |
| Total Funds Raised | $8.2 Million (approx. €7.7 Million) |
| Primary Hubs | Genoa and Milan |
| Diversion Percentage | 71% to Hamas military/terrorist interests |
Next Steps for Authorities
The Italian judicial system will now proceed with formal indictments as the Financial Police continue to freeze assets linked to the three charities involved. The case is expected to have broader implications for how NGOs and charitable organizations operating in conflict zones are monitored within the Eurozone.