US Charges San Diego Man Over Fake Charity That Allegedly Funded Hamas

The US Department of Justice announced a sweeping indictment on Wednesday against Radha Mazen Rida Sabsi, a 38-year-old San Diego resident, alleging he created a fake charity and raised about $600,000 for Hamas under the guise of humanitarian aid to Gaza after the October 7 attacks.

Prosecutors say Sabsi used donation campaigns, social media, and crowdfunding platforms to solicit money, while actually directing the funds to Hamas and to his own personal use. The indictment accuses him of financing terrorism, evading sanctions, fraud, money laundering, and making false statements.

According to the Justice Department, Sabsi exploited the October 7 massacre to attract donors, even as the money was used to support terrorist activity. Officials said part of the funds had already been transferred to Hamas, while about $382,000 was converted into cryptocurrency in an effort to move it through Hamas-linked intermediaries. Another $116,000 was already sent to people associated with the organization.

Authorities also allege that Sabsi publicly expressed support for Hamas online and posted footage depicting the October 7 atrocities, which he reportedly reposted again on the anniversary of the massacre. He now faces charges that could carry decades in prison.