Spain Advances US Extradition Request for Millionaire Accused of Hamas Funding

Spain's government has approved moving forward with a US request to extradite James "Fargie" "Chambers", an American millionaire and pro-Palestinian activist, to face charges of money laundering and ties to Hamas. Chambers has been detained since July and denies all allegations against him.

The Spanish government's decision, announced Tuesday, allows the case to proceed to the National Court for judicial review. A government spokesperson clarified that this is a procedural step and not a final decision on extradition. The court will deliberate on the request before the government makes a final ruling.

The core of the US accusations involves the transfer of $7.5 million from the US to Tunisia, where Chambers resided at the time. Prosecutors allege this money was subsequently funneled to the Hamas terror organization. Previous reports from Reuters indicated Chambers also funded legal expenses for pro-Palestinian activists involved in protests against Israeli defense companies like Elbit Systems.

Chambers' legal team maintains that the funds transferred to Tunisia were intended for investments, including in the football club Club Africain, and that money sent to Gaza was for humanitarian aid. They argue the extradition request is politically motivated due to his activism. Reuters also reported that Spain's Sumar party, a coalition partner, opposes the extradition process. Chambers remains in custody while the legal proceedings continue.