Federal authorities are investigating a U.K.-based nonprofit, known as PFF, that has allegedly amassed a $100 million "war chest" for anti-Israel activities. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is examining whether the organization illegally transferred donor funds to Al-Haq, a Palestinian group designated as terrorist by the U.S. in September. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that federal agents are also looking into whether PFF uses opaque U.K. corporate structures to conceal cross-border financial flows.
Bassema Yousef, a New York-born Democratic donor living in London, is reportedly the central figure in PFF's fundraising efforts. Yousef, a former Al Jazeera staffer and Booz Allen Hamilton consultant, has been a consistent donor to the campaigns of Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), who has been critical of Israel. She previously worked for the International Rescue Committee.
Insiders described Yousef as an operative connecting former State Department officials, management consultants, and progressive circles. She is also reportedly a close acquaintance of Waleed Shahid, a spokesperson for Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and Zara Rahim, a senior advisor to Mamdani's successful mayoral campaign. Yousef's social media posts have included strong anti-Israel rhetoric.
Sources claim that Yousef established PFF with financial backing from Palestinian-Australian motorsports magnate Yasser Shahin and Austin-based executive Basil Qunibi. Shahin, a director at the Peregrine Corporation, is a participant in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. UK corporate filings confirm Shahin's involvement in setting up PFF's London-based entities. PFF also has a nonprofit organization registered in Delaware.
Qunibi is the CEO of Atom Investors and sits on the board of World Food Program USA. He previously founded Novus Partners. A spokesperson for Prosek Partners, representing Qunibi, broadly denied the allegations but declined to provide a detailed on-the-record statement regarding his alleged role in establishing PFF. Shahin and Yousef did not respond to requests for comment.
The Palestinian ambassador to the U.K., Husam Zomlot, is said to have informal ties to the fund, with sources alleging he assisted in bringing together key individuals. When questioned by The Post, Zomlot declined to comment on the individuals involved, stating only to contact his office. He did not respond to follow-up inquiries regarding the DHS probe or the allegations of funds reaching a sanctioned group.
PFF's website states its mission is to "pursue justice, equality, and freedom for all people." However, sources suggest the organization aims to influence global politics by funding anti-Israel messaging and supporting legal defense for pro-Palestinian activists. While Mayor Mamdani is not under investigation, Yousef is identified as an ally.
The DHS's Homeland Security Investigations unit is empowered to investigate illicit capital transfers across borders. A DHS spokesperson stated that the agency does not comment on ongoing investigations or specific investigative methods. The reported scrutiny, if active, does not imply any criminal wrongdoing, and no charges have been filed against any individuals connected to PFF.