Italian authorities have arrested nine people accused of secretly raising millions of euros for Hamas under the cover of humanitarian aid.
According to investigators, the suspects allegedly collected donations meant to support Palestinian civilians, but a large portion of the funds was instead redirected to Hamas through what police described as a complex and organised fundraising network.
Officials say around €7 million was raised over more than two years. During the operation, law enforcement also seized assets worth over €8 million as part of the ongoing investigation.
The suspects are accused of carrying out financial activities believed to have supported terrorist operations. The arrests followed a joint operation involving counter-terrorism and financial crime units.
Investigations intensified after the October 7, 2023 attack in southern Israel, when authorities began examining suspicious financial transactions linked to some of the individuals involved. These transactions reportedly occurred in the months leading up to the attack.
Police uncovered an elaborate fundraising structure allegedly based in Genoa, with additional operations in cities including Milan. Donations were presented to the public as humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza.
However, investigators claim that more than 70 percent of the money was diverted to Hamas, allegedly to support its military wing and provide assistance to families linked to suicide bombings or terrorism-related detentions.
Italy’s interior minister confirmed the arrests and praised security forces for dismantling what he described as a dangerous financial network. At the same time, he stressed that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Among those arrested is a prominent figure within Italy’s Palestinian community, who has previously denied accusations of financing Hamas and described such claims as false.
The case highlights growing concerns across Europe about the misuse of charitable fundraising channels to finance extremist activities, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Authorities say investigations are continuing and further arrests or asset seizures are possible as they work to trace additional financial links.