BREAKING: Mohammad Hannoun, a prominent figure in the Italian Palestinian community, has been arrested in Italy on charges of charity fraud and financing terrorism. Italian Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism units apprehended Hannoun on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, after a lengthy investigation revealed his alleged involvement in diverting over $8.2 million intended for humanitarian aid to Hamas-linked entities.
The Charges Against Mohammad Hannoun
Mohammad Hannoun faces serious accusations of belonging to and financing Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. The charges stem from allegations that he orchestrated a sophisticated scheme to funnel funds raised for Palestinian humanitarian causes to support Hamas’s activities. Investigators claim that Hannoun diverted over 71% of donations to groups directly controlled by Hamas’ military wing. The funds, disguised as aid for Palestinian citizens, were allegedly delivered through “triangulation operations” involving bank transfers and organizations based abroad, ultimately reaching associations in Gaza. The investigation alleges an uninterrupted flow of illicit funds began in October 2001, with the diverted funds related to this arrest raised over the last two years.
The prosecution intends to demonstrate that Hannoun exploited the trust of donors who believed their money was going to legitimate humanitarian projects. Instead, they claim, these funds were used to support terrorist activities, a betrayal that has sparked outrage and calls for justice.
Scale of the Alleged Crime
The scale of the alleged fraud is significant. Approximately €7 million (US$8.2 million) was reportedly diverted from its intended purpose. Italian authorities have seized assets worth more than 8 million euros linked to Hannoun and his associated organizations. The victims include not only the donors who were deceived but also the Palestinian civilians who were meant to benefit from the humanitarian aid. The impact of this diversion is devastating, as it undermines trust in charitable organizations and deprives vulnerable communities of essential resources.
Who Is Mohammad Hannoun?
Mohammad Hannoun, 63, is a Jordanian citizen who has resided in Genoa, Italy, for the past 40 years. An architect by profession, Hannoun held prominent positions within the Italian Palestinian community. He served as the President of the Palestinian Association in Italy and founded the Association for Solidarity with the Palestinian People (ABSPP) in 1994. He is also linked to La Cupola d’Oro (Golden Dome Charity Organization) and La Palma, and is a member of the European Palestinians Conference. These positions of influence allegedly provided him with the means to carry out the fraudulent scheme.
“This arrest sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the exploitation of charitable organizations to fund terrorism. We will pursue those who seek to undermine our security and betray the trust of the public,”
Investigation Unmasks Mohammad Hannoun’s Scheme
The investigation into Mohammad Hannoun’s activities was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies. The Italian State Police and Financial Police, along with the District Anti-Mafia and Counterterrorism Directorate, worked in cooperation with Dutch authorities and other EU countries, coordinated by the EU judicial agency Eurojust. The probe began after suspicious financial transactions were flagged, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the funds being transferred. Further investigation uncovered a network of organizations and individuals allegedly involved in the scheme.
Notably, the U.S. Treasury Department had already blacklisted Hannoun and ABSPP in October 2024 as financiers of terrorism, providing further impetus for the Italian investigation. Prior to his arrest, Hannoun had also received a one-year expulsion order in November 2024 from the Milan Police Headquarters for inciting hatred and violence. Hannoun has also praised youths who attacked Israeli Maccabi fans and justified Hamas’s killings.
What Happens Next?
Mohammad Hannoun is currently being held in prison awaiting trial. He faces severe penalties if convicted, including a lengthy prison sentence and the forfeiture of assets. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify and prosecute any additional individuals involved in the scheme. The next court date has not yet been set, but authorities are working diligently to prepare their case. The related fraud investigations could reveal similar patterns and connections.
Protecting Yourself from Charity Fraud
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence when donating to charitable organizations. Red flags to watch for include: unsolicited requests for donations, pressure tactics, lack of transparency about how funds are used, and organizations with vague or unclear missions. Always research a charity before donating, and be wary of organizations that are not registered with the appropriate regulatory bodies. By being vigilant and informed, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim of charity fraud and ensure that your donations are used for their intended purpose.
