Federal prosecutors have charged a San Diego man with terrorism and fraud offenses, accusing him of exploiting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to raise approximately $600,000 that he allegedly funneled to Hamas while pocketing portions for himself, according to court documents.
Reda Mazen Rida Sabassi, 38, was arrested Wednesday and appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge in federal court following an investigation by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, prosecutors said Thursday.
Background
The case traces back to October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants carried out coordinated attacks in Israel that killed more than 1,000 people and abducted over 200 others. According to investigators, Sabassi saw an opportunity in the tragedy—launching online fundraising campaigns he claimed would provide aid to civilians in Gaza.
Federal authorities allege Sabassi operated a charity called Ikram—The Arab Charity Foundation Inc., using it alongside crowdfunding websites and social media accounts to solicit donations from supporters around the world. He allegedly created an hourlong propaganda video glorifying the October 7 attacks, posting it multiple times on social media, including on the second anniversary of the massacre.
Investigators say Sabassi privately discussed fundraising tactics with a co-conspirator, joking about naming one campaign after Hamas' armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, before deciding to use the Ikram charity name instead. He allegedly worked with Gaza Now—which authorities described as a Hamas fundraising organization—to move money to the group.
The Charges
Sabassi faces five federal counts: conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, sanctions evasion, wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements to federal agents. Each of the most serious charges carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors allege that between December 2023 and February 2024, Sabassi raised approximately $600,000 through online campaigns. Of that amount, authorities claim he sent roughly $116,000 directly to a Hamas member and attempted to convert another $382,000 into cryptocurrency for transfer to the group through Gaza Now.
"The defendant allegedly claimed to be raising money for charity but was actually funding the terrorist organization Hamas and also lining his own pockets," said Donald Holstead, an official with the U.S. Attorney's Office. "He allegedly raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund the death and tragedy Hamas seeks to carry out."
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg described how Sabassi allegedly exploited public sympathy following terrorist attacks. "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," Eisenberg said.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton emphasized the national security implications: "Hamas promotes attacks against the US and has murdered dozens of Americans through acts of terror. Our arrest of Reda Sabassi demonstrates our whole-of-government commitment to prosecute those who provide financial support to a malign terrorist regime that hates America."
Key Takeaways
- Reda Mazen Rida Sabassi, 38, of San Diego faces five federal charges including terrorism-related counts and fraud offenses
- Authorities allege he raised approximately $600,000 through online fundraising campaigns claiming to aid Gaza civilians
- Prosecutors say he funneled roughly $116,000 directly to a Hamas member and attempted to convert another $382,000 into cryptocurrency for the group
- He allegedly operated a charity called Ikram—The Arab Charity Foundation Inc. as part of the scheme
- Each serious charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison if convicted
- The case is being prosecuted by federal prosecutors in New York with assistance from the Justice Department's National Security Division and FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces
What's Next
Sabassi remains in custody pending further court proceedings. His next scheduled court appearance has not yet been announced. If convicted, his sentence would ultimately be determined by a federal judge. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not indicated whether additional arrests are expected.