Mohammad Yousef Hasna, 45, from Istanbul, was arrested in the UK on charges of conspiracy to transfer funds to Hamas through a fictitious international humanitarian organization.
British law enforcement authorities detained him in the United Kingdom at the request of their American colleagues (the intelligence services of the United States, Great Britain and Israel participated in the investigation. By a court decision, Hasna was kept in custody pending the start of the procedure extradition to the United States.
U.S. Attorney in Manhattan Jamie MacDonald said Hasna worked closely with senior Hamas leaders to deliver supplies, food and funding to the group under the guise of humanitarian aid. It is currently unknown who will represent Hasna in a U.S. court.
The charges against Hasna include conspiracy to provide material support to Hamas, conspiracy to finance terrorism, and direct financing of terrorism. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
An official US government release states that Hasna has worked closely with Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad, a member of the group’s leadership, since at least 2023.