A San Diego man now faces federal terror-financing charges that prosecutors say tied charity appeals to Hamas and personal spending.
Quick Take
- Federal prosecutors say Reda Mazen Rida Sabassi raised about $604,000 for Hamas-linked activity.[3]
- The complaint says he sent about $116,000 to a Hamas member and tried to move another $382,000 through cryptocurrency.[2][3]
- Prosecutors also say he used some donor money for rent and a personal credit card.[3]
- The Justice Department charged him with terrorism, sanctions-evasion, wire fraud, money laundering, and false statements.[1][2]
Federal Complaint Targets Alleged Charity Fraud
The Justice Department unsealed a five-count complaint against Reda Mazen Rida Sabassi, 38, of San Diego, California. Prosecutors say he used online fundraisers and a charity front to collect money for Gaza while directing cash to Hamas and himself. The complaint charges terrorism, sanctions-evasion, wire fraud, money laundering, and false statements.[1][3]
According to prosecutors, Sabassi used social media accounts, crowdfunding sites, and a group called Ikram, The Arab Charity Foundation Inc. They say he told donors the money would aid civilians in Gaza. The complaint says the real plan was different. It says he publicly supported Hamas online and used the appeals to raise money for the group.[2][3]
What Prosecutors Say Happened
Federal filings say Sabassi raised at least about $604,000 between 2022 and March 2024, with about $604,000 tied to the fundraising scheme. Prosecutors allege that about $116,000 went to a Hamas member, while about $382,000 was set aside for transfer through Gaza Now, which authorities call a Hamas-linked fundraising channel. The complaint also says some money paid for his rent and personal credit card.[3]
The case matters because it fits a pattern federal agencies have warned about for years. Terror groups and their supporters often hide behind charity language, humanitarian claims, and crowdfunding tools. Those methods can make the money trail harder to follow, which is why intent and bank records matter so much in court. The Justice Department says this case reflects a deliberate effort to use donor sympathy as cover for terror support.[2][3]
Why the Charges Carry Heavy Weight
The charges are still allegations, and Sabassi is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Even so, the complaint is serious because it combines terror support claims with financial crimes. Prosecutors say four counts carry maximum penalties of 20 years in prison, while the false statement charge carries a maximum of five years. That is a major federal exposure for a case built around online fundraising, alleged deception, and money movement.[2][3]
The Palestinian genocidal Hamas terrorist fundraiser plot gets bigger by the hour. Hamas terrorist fundraiser Reda Sabassi was employed with Booz Allen Hamilton.
Reda Mazen Rida Sabassi, 38, was charged with terrorism, sanctions evasion, wire fraud, money laundering and making… https://t.co/DL9yyD6eCL pic.twitter.com/5KIh4DFOQR
— Saint James Hartline (@JamesHartline) June 18, 2026
For conservatives frustrated by endless soft-on-terror policy, the case lands with a clear warning. Prosecutors say a California resident used the language of humanitarian aid to route money toward Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist group. If the allegations hold, this is not just fraud. It is another reminder that weak borders, loose oversight, and political confusion can create space for bad actors to abuse American generosity.[1][2][3]
Sources:
[1] Web – California Man Allegedly Raised $600K For Terrorist Regime Hamas: DOJ
[2] Web – The Justice Department today announced the unsealing of a five …
[3] Web – San Diego man charged for laundering charity money to Hamas
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