According to the investigation, the operation led to the seizure of assets worth over 8 million euros. The discovered financial flows revealed a complex network of international transfers, which raised suspicions among law enforcement agencies.
Investigators believe that the detainees had connections to Hamas and were involved in its financing. A significant portion of the collected funds was directed not towards humanitarian needs but to support terrorist activities, including preparations for attacks against Israel. Approximately 7 million euros were estimated to have been transferred to the Gaza Strip to strengthen Hamas's armed operations.
Key players in this scheme, as indicated by the investigation, were several charitable organizations, notably the Charitable Association for Solidarity with the Palestinian People (ABSPP), located in Genoa. Mohammad Hannoun, identified as the main figure of the Italian cell, allegedly oversaw fundraising and redirected over 71% of donations to Hamas's military needs. To circumvent international oversight, the suspects used new names and acronyms, including the organization "Golden Dome".
Among the recipients of the funds, the investigation mentions Osama Alisawi, a former minister of the Hamas government in Gaza. The police also claim that the money was used to support the families of terrorists involved in the attacks.
Analysis of intercepted phone conversations and servers seized in Genoa revealed materials related to the military training of young recruits and the propaganda of "martyrs". Some suspects were identified in photographs wearing the combat gear of the "Al-Qassam Brigades".
The Italian state police notes that the results of the investigation do not diminish the seriousness of the crimes committed against the Palestinian population as a result of Israeli military operations since October 7, 2023. However, it emphasizes that this cannot serve as a justification for the terrorist acts of Hamas and its supporters against civilians. The police also reminded that the assessment of the relevant crimes will be carried out by the International Criminal Court.
The investigation, initiated after the attack on October 7, 2023, was conducted jointly with the authorities of the Netherlands and Israel, which allowed for effective tracking of financial flows and intercepting communications.
