A Lutz man is facing federal charges after prosecutors say he sent nearly $50,000 to a fundraising network tied to Hamas. Raed Yousef, 56, was charged in the Middle District of Florida with conspiracy, attempted material support to a foreign terrorist organization, money laundering, and passport fraud. According to the Department of Justice, the network was operated by Saleem Alzaq, described as a Hamas member in Gaza who ran the operation since at least January 2020.
Prosecutors say the network collected more than $1.7 million through social media campaigns that presented themselves as humanitarian aid for Gaza while directing money to Hamas. The charges are serious: many carry maximum penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison, while passport fraud carries up to five years. As with any federal case, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
For Suncoast residents, the case is a reminder that not every fundraiser in your feed is what it claims to be. Our communities give generously after hurricanes, during red tide seasons, and whenever a neighbor needs help, and scammers know that. Before you donate online, take a minute to verify the organization, check its registration, and confirm where the money actually goes. Have you ever come across a charity page that felt off? Tell us about it in the comments.
