Feds Charge Gaza Man In $1.7 Million Hamas Fundraising Scheme
Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment on October 1, 2026, charging Gaza resident Saleem Alzaq with four conspiracy counts alleging he helped raise about $1.7 million for Hamas.[1]
Prosecutors say the funds were raised between January 2020 and December 2025 and included at least $626,000 from U.S.-based donors.[1] The indictment says two brothers in Louisiana sent about $105,000 and a Florida man sent nearly $50,000 to the alleged network.[1] An undercover officer contacted Alzaq on Snapchat in November 2025, and prosecutors say Alzaq admitted he worked to get money to Hamas.[1] Prosecutors say he used coded terms like "bread" and "the Green" and advised donors not to mention Hamas or political slogans on PayPal to avoid account shutdowns.[1]
The indictment portrays a multiyear operation that prosecutors say used online platforms and payment services to collect and move donations to Hamas.[1] Alzaq faces federal prosecution on the four conspiracy counts outlined in the unsealed indictment.[1]
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- On October 1, 2026, an indictment was unsealed charging Gaza resident Saleem Alzaq with four conspiracy counts tied to Hamas fundraising.
- Prosecutors allege Alzaq helped raise more than $1.7 million from January 2020 through December 2025, including at least $626,000 from U.S.-based donors.
- The indictment says two brothers from Louisiana sent about $105,000 and a Florida man sent nearly $50,000 to the alleged network.
- An undercover officer contacted Alzaq on Snapchat in November 2025, and prosecutors say he admitted working to get money to Hamas, using coded terms like 'bread' and 'the Green.'
- Alzaq is accused of advising donors not to mention Hamas or political slogans on PayPal donations to avoid account shutdowns.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time