Bundles of cash in the garage, computers and mobile phones stashed in wall cavities, a Hamas flag, and USB drives with traditional Islamic songs praising the terrorist organisation. This was the hoard hidden by the Hamas cell in Italy, masquerading as a charitable organisation.

Following the raid that led to the arrest of Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, along with six others, authorities conducted an additional 17 searches at the homes of suspects and at the headquarters of the Palestinian Solidarity Charity Association (Abspp) and other affiliated organisations. This network has reportedly channelled at least €7 million to Hamas since 2023.

Authorities seized over €1 million in cash, with approximately €560,000 discovered in a garage in Modena, while another house contained €6,000 and a Hamas flag.

Three computers were hidden within a wall in a student’s apartment. Investigators consider these devices significant, as wiretaps revealed that the detainees intended to dispose of documents and computers.

„I also thought about destroying the office computer,” said Hannoun, who is regarded as the head of the cell and has direct ties to Hamas.

His right-hand man, Abu Falastine, who appeared in a video within Hamas’s tunnels in Gaza, stated: „I deleted everything… I erased all the old files… I deleted all the receipts. Of course, I kept a copy, which I put on a hard drive and left with a trusted friend.”

Esama Alisawi, a Hamas representative and co-founder of the association alongside Hannoun, is currently in Gaza. Meanwhile, Abu Rawwa, the cell’s fundraiser in Emilia Romagna, is in Turkey.

The number of suspects stands at 25, including Hannoun’s family members, his wife, and two children, who investigators believe were aware of the Hamas financing.

One of his children transported the money, accompanied by a customs declaration bearing the signature of Hannoun’s charity. Journalist Angela Lano, director of the Infopal website, is also under investigation. According to investigators, she played a „functional” role in the cell’s propaganda. Mahmoud el Shobky, responsible for fundraising in Piedmont, Sicily, and Sardinia, is also being investigated.

The inquiry, aided by information exchanges with other European countries, includes documents provided by Israeli authorities.

Italienische Ermittler haben offenbar ein Hamas-Finanzierungsnetz ausgehoben. Sieben Millionen Euro sollen geflossen sein. Dahinter soll ein europäisches Netzwerk stecken.https://t.co/niOmiLmaa4

— Tagesspiegel (@Tagesspiegel) December 27, 2025

The scandal has implications for several European nations

However, the connections extend to Austria as well. During the investigation that led to the arrests, the Italian police reported „numerous phone calls and contacts between Mohammad H. and individuals holding similar roles in Austria, France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.”

These links have demonstrated „the existence of a wide-ranging, internationally organised network, whose members are individuals and institutions involved in fundraising purportedly for charitable purposes and the support of the Palestinian population.” Investigators have also documented Mohammad H.’s connections with senior Hamas officials.

Israel welcomed the arrests of alleged Hamas supporters in Italy as „an important step in the fight against terrorism.” According to the Israeli daily Haaretz, Amichai Chikli, the Israeli minister responsible for diaspora affairs and combating antisemitism, stated that Hamas is increasingly focusing on Europe.

„The ministry has repeatedly warned of the dangerous connection between seemingly civilian activities and terrorist infrastructures,” Chikli continued.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also welcomed the arrests. In a public statement, Meloni expressed gratitude to all those who facilitated the raid.

Hamas has infiltrated Europe

Earlier reports have warned that members of the Hamas terrorist organisation may have deeply infiltrated European societies. The Italian daily Libero Quotidiano cautioned months ago that Hamas is already among us, with an armed, organised network ready to strike.

Giovanni Giacalone, an expert on terrorism and Islamic groups, estimated the number of Hamas supporters in Italy to be in the thousands.

„While it is difficult to provide an accurate estimate of how many Hamas supporters are in Italy… I would not be surprised if there were thousands,” he stated, adding that support is most evident at pro-Palestinian demonstrations and on social media.

Perhaps even more concerning is the largely hidden presence of Hamas „agents” who are working to obtain permanent residency permits in Italy and other parts of the continent.

In Germany, estimates suggest that 32,500 individuals may be classified as foreign extremists—a 6 per cent increase from 2020—many of whom are linked to Hamas. Sinan Selen, head of Germany’s BfV domestic intelligence agency, previously stated that the Israeli-Hamas peace agreement does not mean „we have reason to be complacent about Hamas’s activities in Europe, including Germany.” Similarly, agents have been uncovered in Denmark and Sweden.