California Man Charged with Terrorism for Allegedly Raising Funds for Hamas

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Washington: Federal prosecutors in the United States have charged a 38 years old California resident with terrorism-related offences, accusing him of raising thousands of dollars through fake online charity campaigns that secretly sponsored Hamas.

According to the US Department of Justice, Reda Mazen Rida Sabassi of San Diego is charged with terrorism, sanctions evasion, wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements. Prosecutors said he collected donations through social media and crowdfunding platforms, claiming the funds would be used to give humanitarian help to residents in Gaza.

According to authorities, Sabassi raised approximately $600,000 in the months following  October 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas. Investigators believe that approximately $116,000 was transferred to a Hamas member, while another $382,000 in bitcoin was purportedly meant for the group but intercepted before delivery.

Prosecutors further say Sabassi publicly supported Hamas online and created propaganda content to promote donations. He was arrested in San Diego and made his initial appearance in federal court. If convicted on all counts, he gets up to 85 years in prison.