A director of a Turkey-based charity has been arrested in the United Kingdom and faces extradition to the U.S. on allegations that he funneled money and supplies to Hamas. Mohammad Yousef Hasna, 45, is accused of using his senior position at what U.S. authorities describe as a "sham" global humanitarian organization to coordinate with Hamas leadership.
U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald stated that Hasna, from Istanbul, allegedly worked closely with senior Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad since at least 2023 to fund the group under the guise of humanitarian aid. The U.S. has designated Hamas as a foreign terrorist organization, and it is also considered a proscribed terrorist group under UK law.
Prosecutors allege Hasna orchestrated the delivery of funds and supplies to Gaza, with distribution occurring at Hamas's instructions. Specific accusations include arranging cash deliveries, procuring supplies for import into Gaza, and transporting them by truck from Egypt and other locations. He is also accused of distributing these supplies to a list of recipients dictated by Hamas.
In the financial year ending July 31, 2025, the charity where Hasna held a senior role reported spending approximately $91 million on charitable activities. The organization's total gross income nearly doubled from $41.8 million in the financial year 2023 to approximately $81.56 million in 2024, according to disclosures to UK authorities.
Hasna faces multiple charges in the U.S., including conspiring to provide material support to Hamas, conspiring to finance terrorism, and financing terrorism. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. He is currently being held in the UK pending extradition proceedings before his anticipated transfer to New York.