Russia Probes Alleged Embezzlement of Gaza Aid Funds

Russian authorities are investigating the suspected embezzlement of funds collected as humanitarian aid for residents of the Gaza Strip. The Investigative Committee of Moscow is reportedly looking into several individuals, including individuals from Gaza who reside in Russia, some of whom have obtained Russian citizenship. According to Russian media outlet EADaily, those implicated include Baraa al-Gammari, Muhammad Gabin, and Ismail Shafik, living in Nalchik, and Iyad Issa Abu Zaher, residing in Ingushetia. Lilia Gadaborsheva, a 29-year-old native of Ingushetia, is also mentioned as having collected donations online. Reports suggest that over 10 million rubles (approximately $110,000 USD) may have been collected monthly through these channels. Investigators reportedly lack convincing proof that all collected funds were used for their intended purpose. Al-Gammari and Abu Zaher are said to have acquired expensive real estate. Russian security agencies are also examining how some individuals obtained Russian citizenship. Iyad Abu Zaher has been identified in Russian sources as Hamas's representative in Russia, a designation previously used by the Moscow House of Nationalities in 2025. The Russian charity fund 'RUSSAR' stated it transferred funds for Gaza residents to Abu Zaher in December 2025, who claimed the money was used to buy blankets for children instead of holiday gifts. Abu Zaher has also been described in Russian media as a doctor and former head of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, and was reportedly evacuated from Gaza in 2024 with other Russian citizens. He identified himself as an assistant to Hamas deputy political bureau chief Mousa Abu Marzook. The Russian Investigative Committee has not yet officially released details or names related to this investigation.