Suspect allegedly used currency exchange stores to help move the cash and overcome bans on the movement of Hamas money through electronic bank transfers.
The Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency announced on Wednesday the arrest of a Gazan woman suspected of transferring hundreds of thousands of dollars from Gaza to the West Bank for Hamas activities.
The woman, named as 42-year-old Nasirat resident Sana\’a Hafi, allegedly transferred funds to her brother, Hassin Abu Kayuk, who is serving time in an Israeli prison, who allegedly sent some of the money on to Hamas members in Judea and Samaria. Hafi also allegedly used currency exchange stores to get the funds to Hamas operatives in the West Bank, security sources said.
"Every one along the chain took a commission, and passed the funds on," one source told The Jerusalem Post. The woman was arrested at Erez border crossing on May 26 while trying to enter Israel.
"Hafi said during questioning that the many funds she transferred to her brother [Abu Kayuk] were used for, among other purposes, to purchase a luxury apartment and vehicle. She added that she got the funds from the Al-Nor organization owned by Hamas, which transfers funds to prisoners and to the families of Hamas \’martyrs\’ and injured members," the Shin Bet said in a statement.
Hafi allegedly used currency exchange stores to help move the cash and overcome bans on the movement of Hamas money through electronic bank transfers.
Southern District prosecutors charged her with providing services to an illegal organization, unlawful use of terrorist assets, and contact with a foreign agent.