Spanish Police Arrest Chinese National for Alleged Hamas Financing

On January 30, 2026, Spanish police detained a 38-year-old Chinese national, the owner of a hair salon near Barcelona, on suspicion of financing the militant group Hamas. The arrest is linked to approximately €600,000 (around $714,960) in cryptocurrency transfers. Investigators traced at least 31 transactions from virtual wallets controlled by the suspect to addresses believed to be associated with Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the European Union and other Western nations. The investigation began in June 2025 as part of a broader probe into fraud and money laundering.

Spanish Police Arrest Chinese Hair Salon Owner Accused of Financing HamasSpanish police arrest Chinese hair salon owner accused of financing HamasBarcelona police arrest businessman for financing HamasTrump confirms talking to Iran, says he plans to again; hopes US won’t have to take military actionRobbers assault Chinese MP in multi-million-euro Paris burglaryIDF says it foiled attempt to smuggle 3 rifles into Israel from Egypt

During the operation, police seized various assets from the suspect's salon and residence, including crypto-assets, cash, 9,000 cigars, jewelry, computers, and mobile phones. Additionally, several bank accounts were frozen, with the total value of seized and blocked assets exceeding €370,000. Authorities have expressed concerns that militant groups are increasingly using cryptocurrencies to facilitate cross-border funding, complicating efforts to track and disrupt terrorism financing.

Spanish Police Arrest Chinese Hair Salon Owner Accused of Financing Hamas

The arrest comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny on organizations linked to Hamas. On January 21, 2026, the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions against several nonprofit organizations associated with Hamas, citing their role in concealing financing and activities. The sanctioned organizations include the Waed Society Gaza, Al-Nur Society Gaza, Qawafil Society Gaza, Al-Falah Society Gaza, Merciful Hands Gaza, and Al-Salameh Society Gaza. John K. Hurley, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated, “Hamas continues to show a callous disregard for the welfare of the Palestinian people,” emphasizing the need for measures to disrupt covert funding channels.

Barcelona police arrest businessman for financing HamasSpanish police arrest Chinese hair salon owner accused of financing HamasTrump confirms talking to Iran, says he plans to again; hopes US won’t have to take military actionSpanish Police Arrest Chinese Hair Salon Owner Accused of Financing HamasIDF says it foiled attempt to smuggle 3 rifles into Israel from EgyptRobbers assault Chinese MP in multi-million-euro Paris burglary

While the investigation is ongoing, police have not disclosed whether the suspect knowingly interacted with Hamas or acted merely as an intermediary. This ambiguity has led to discussions about the complexities of tracing cryptocurrency transactions and the challenges in determining intent in such cases.

Spanish police arrest Chinese hair salon owner accused of financing Hamas

There is a lack of clarity regarding the suspect's potential connections to Hamas and whether he was aware of the nature of the transactions. Some reports suggest he may have been an unwitting intermediary, while others imply a more direct involvement. The investigation's sensitivity has led authorities to refrain from commenting on these aspects.

Spanish police arrest Chinese hair salon owner accused of financing Hamas

• “We have seized more than 100,000 euros in cash, jewellery, weapons, cigars, and blocked several bank accounts,” — Mossos d'Esquadra, Spanish Police

Barcelona police arrest businessman for financing Hamas

• “Hamas continues to show a callous disregard for the welfare of the Palestinian people,” — John K. Hurley, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence

Barcelona police arrest businessman for financing Hamas

This arrest highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating the financing of terrorism, particularly through the use of cryptocurrencies.

Spanish Police Arrest Chinese Hair Salon Owner Accused of Financing Hamas