Five individuals linked to two French associations have been charged in France on suspicion of channeling funds to Hamas under the guise of humanitarian aid, the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) said Saturday.
Major crackdown on suspected Hamas financing © Mena Today
Five individuals linked to two French associations have been charged in France on suspicion of channeling funds to Hamas under the guise of humanitarian aid, the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) said Saturday.
The suspects, connected to the organizations Humani’Terre and Soutien Humani’Terre, were placed under judicial supervision following their indictment on Friday. They face charges including financing a terrorist organization, organized breach of trust, and money laundering linked to terrorist activity.
The investigation began with a preliminary probe opened in November 2023 and led by France’s anti-terror brigade, the domestic intelligence agency (DGSI), and the financial crime unit. Authorities suspect the associations — which officially aim to support Palestinian populations in refugee camps in the West Bank, Lebanon, and Gaza — of diverting humanitarian funds to Hamas.
Searches carried out earlier this year led to the seizure of computer equipment, financial records, and nearly €40 million in assets. Two properties in the Paris region were also confiscated.
According to prosecutors, the latest developments stem from the analysis of seized digital material and information obtained through international cooperation with Italy, the United States, and Israel.
The investigation will now continue under the supervision of three anti-terrorism investigative judges.
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