ROME (AP) — Italian authorities have arrested nine people linked to three charities on suspicion of raising millions of euros for the Palestinian militant group Hamas, anti-terrorism prosecutors said in a statement Saturday.
The suspects are accused of sending approximately 7 million euros ($8.2 million) to “organizations owned, controlled or associated with Hamas in Gaza, the Palestinian territories or Israel,” the statement said.
Among those arrested was Mohamed Hannon, president of the Italian Palestine Association, whom prosecutors said described him as “the head of the Italian branch of the Hamas organization.”
The European Union has added Hamas to its terrorist list.
Italian prosecutors, who are cooperating with other EU countries on the investigation, said the illicit funds were transferred via bank transfers or through “triangulation operations” organized abroad to Gaza-based associations that have been declared illegal by Israel due to their links to Hamas.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi wrote on
There was no immediate comment from the suspects or the association.
In January 202, the European Council decided to extend existing restrictions on 12 individuals and 3 entities supporting the financing of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.