Turkish Hamas financier arrested in London and extradited to US

A 45-year-old Turkish man accused of managing a money laundering scheme for Hamas has been arrested in London at the request of American authorities. Mohammad Youssef Hasna, from Istanbul, was detained on Friday following a long-running investigation by US law enforcement agencies. American prosecutors have now unsealed charges against him relating to his alleged role in funnelling money, equipment and food to the Palestinian militant group under the guise of humanitarian activities.

The investigation into Hasna’s financial operations was conducted jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), British law enforcement agencies, and Israel’s internal security service (Shin Bet). The international cooperation reflects growing efforts to disrupt Hamas’s funding networks and prevent the transfer of resources that could be used to support the group’s militant operations.

Hasna is expected to face extradition proceedings to the United States, where he will face trial on the charges. The case is part of a broader Western crackdown on financial facilitators who allegedly help terrorist organisations move money across borders whilst evading sanctions and monitoring systems.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.