San Diego sicko snared in alleged terrorism plot after raising huge sums of cash: Hates America
A California man who allegedly posed as a humanitarian while secretly funneling money to Hamas and pocketing donations has been arrested on a slate of federal terrorism and fraud charges.Federal authorities accused 38-year-old Reda Mazen Rida Sabassi of raising roughly $600,000 through online fundraising campaigns that he claimed would provide aid to civilians in Gaza, but which investigators say were actually intended to support Hamas.Sabassi of San Diego was arrested Wednesday and appeared before a US magistrate judge in federal court, according to the United States Department of Justice.He faces five counts, including conspiracy to provide material support to Hamas, sanctions evasion, wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements.The most serious charges each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if he is convicted.“As alleged in the complaint, the defendant exploited the barbaric acts of terror perpetrated on October 7, 2023, to attract donors to his fraudulent ‘humanitarian’ causes,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A.
Eisenberg.“He allegedly raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through this scheme, which he then funneled to Hamas to help finance that group’s terror and violence and to line his own pockets.”Sabassi publicly supported Hamas online and allegedly created an hourlong propaganda video glorifying the Oct.7, 2023 attacks in Israel, posting it to social media multiple times, including on the second anniversary of the massacre, according to prosecutors.Authorities say Sabassi operated a charity called Ikram — The Arab Charity Foundation Inc., which he used alongside crowdfunding websites and social media accounts to solicit donations from supporters around the world.Investigators allege Sabassi privately joked with a co-conspirator about naming one fundraiser after Hamas’ armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, before deciding to use the Ikram charity name instead.
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