The U.S. Department of Justice unsealed charges against four people over an alleged international network that financed Hamas through fundraising campaigns presented as humanitarian aid for Gaza. Authorities arrested three defendants, while France’s General Directorate for Internal Security arrested three alleged associates in a coordinated operation. The network allegedly collected more than USD 1.7 million from donors worldwide, including in the United States, since January 2020. Prosecutors allege that Saleem Alzaq, a Hamas member and deputy in its armed wing, operated the network with associates who collected and transferred funds. Abdel Adhami allegedly contributed about USD 94,000, Omar Adhami about USD 11,000 and Raed Yousef almost USD 50,000, using methods including wire transfers and intermediaries to conceal the payments. The charges vary by defendant and include providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, money laundering, wire fraud, sanctions violations and passport fraud, with several counts carrying maximum prison terms of 20 years. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
U.S. Department of Justice charges four and announces six arrests over alleged Hamas financing network that raised more than USD 1.7 million
The U.S. Department of Justice charged four people and announced six arrests in the United States and France over an alleged Hamas financing network. The network allegedly raised more than USD 1.7 million through campaigns presented as humanitarian aid, with charges including material support, money laundering, wire fraud and sanctions violations.