Federal prosecutors have charged a 38-year-old San Diego resident, Reda Mazen Rida Sabassi, with funneling money to Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, under the guise of charitable donations. The charges, detailed in a five-count federal complaint, allege Sabassi exploited social media, crowdfunding platforms, and a purported San Diego charity named Ikram, also known as the “Arab Charity Foundation Inc.,” to solicit funds for Palestinians in Gaza while diverting a portion to Hamas and for his own benefit.
According to prosecutors, between December 2023 and February 2024, Sabassi raised approximately $600,000 through online campaigns. Of this amount, investigators allege that about $116,000 was sent to a member of Hamas. Furthermore, Sabassi reportedly attempted to convert roughly $382,000 into cryptocurrency through Gaza Now, an operation linked to Hamas that has since been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department.
In a separate but related case, federal prosecutors in New York charged Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, less than two weeks after Sabassi’s complaint. Washburn is accused of attempting to provide material support to Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another designated terror group, allegedly by trying to transfer money directly to a fighter.
The cases highlight a recurring tactic where civilian suffering is used as a basis for financial solicitation, potentially damaging the credibility of legitimate charitable organizations. Prosecutors argue that when funds are diverted to designated terrorist groups, the humanitarian label on a campaign becomes irrelevant if the money supports a broader terror apparatus.
The method of disguising support for Hamas through charitable giving is not new. The Holy Land Foundation case, which concluded two decades ago, exposed a similar model. In that case, federal authorities stated the foundation provided approximately $12.4 million to Hamas, with one defendant receiving a 15-year sentence for providing material support to the group.
Experts suggest that crowdfunding platforms should implement stricter verification processes for organizers, beneficiaries, linked financial accounts, foreign counterparts, and any indicators of extremist connections before allowing campaigns to go live. Payment processors and cryptocurrency platforms are also being urged to enhance scrutiny to prevent funds from reaching designated terrorist organizations. Charity regulators are also advised to be more proactive in identifying potential fraudulent operations.
Donors are cautioned against contributing to unknown campaigns or operators, emphasizing that such actions can inadvertently support illicit activities rather than legitimate humanitarian efforts. The alleged scheme involving Sabassi reportedly did not require clandestine operations but relied on a charity name, a compelling cause, accessible payment mechanisms, and public reluctance to question appeals framed by suffering.
Authorities warn that such fraudulent campaigns not only defraud donors and exploit ongoing conflicts but could also finance future terrorist activities. Humanitarian aid to Palestinians is urged to be channeled through verified, transparent, and accountable organizations to ensure funds reach those in genuine need and do not contribute to a terror ecosystem.