US Charges Hamas Operative and American Citizens with Funding Terror Through Fake Charities

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Friday, October 2, that a Hamas operative from Gaza and U.S. citizens have been charged with raising over $1.7 million for the designated terrorist organization. According to the indictment, more than $626,000 was collected from American donors under the guise of humanitarian aid, such as food and winter supplies for families in Gaza. The fundraising campaign, which began in January 2020, reportedly continued after the October 7 attacks and the subsequent war.

Among the accused are 45-year-old Salim Alzak, a Hamas operative residing in Gaza, and U.S. citizens Abd and Omar al-Adami, aged 35 and 33 respectively, from Louisiana, along with 56-year-old Raad Yousef from Florida. The U.S.-based defendants have been arrested and are in custody. Prosecutors allege that Alzak managed an international fundraising operation in the U.S. and France, with his associates collecting and transferring funds directly to Hamas in Gaza.

The al-Adami brothers are accused of raising approximately $105,000, while Yousef allegedly helped collect nearly $50,000. The charges against the al-Adami brothers include providing material support to a terrorist organization, conspiracy, fraud, and money laundering. Yousef faces charges of conspiracy, attempted material support for terrorism, fraud, money laundering, and other offenses.

Alzak, who remains in Gaza, faces charges in the U.S. including conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to provide material support to a terrorist organization, and fraud. His social media activity also revealed Hamas propaganda, including posts celebrating the October 7 attack. Prosecutors claim Alzak knew donations were going to Hamas, not Gazan civilians, and instructed fundraisers to avoid mentioning Hamas or using slogans like "Free Palestine" or "Long live Hamas" to prevent account suspensions. He allegedly launched a new fundraising campaign after October 7, claiming it was for Gazans injured that day, which operated until October 12, 2023.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, "Anyone who finances or provides assistance to terrorist organizations responsible for the deaths of American citizens should be prepared to face justice. We will continue to pursue terrorists, dismantle terror financing networks, and seek justice for victims' families."