(NL Times) Authorities in the Netherlands took a man and his daughter into custody last week on allegations that they sent approximately 5.5 million euros to organizations linked to the militant Palestinian organization, Hamas. They were apprehended on Thursday, and they remained in custody on Monday, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) said in announcing their arrest. The two are being investigated for breaking Dutch law by violating recognized international sanctions, and European Union laws meant to combat terrorism.
“The investigation was launched in response to reports of unusual transactions by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and newspaper articles about a fundraiser in Europe for Hamas,” the OM said. “There is no formal Hamas presence in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, there are several pro-Palestinian and pro-Gaza organizations in the Netherlands, which are an important link in the international network that collects money for Hamas.”
