California Today

San Diego Man Charged with Raising Funds for Hamas via Fake Charity

18 June 2026 16:00

A San Diego man, Reda Mazen Rida Sabassi, was arrested for allegedly raising $600,000 for Hamas through a fake charity. Key facts: - He raised funds via online campaigns claiming to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.

- $116,000 was sent to a Hamas member, and $382,000 was intended for cryptocurrency transfer to Hamas. - He created and posted a propaganda video of the October 7 Hamas attack.

- He faces charges of terrorism, wire fraud, and money laundering in New York federal court. The case underscores federal efforts to combat terrorist financing through deceptive charities.

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