Louisiana brothers accused of channeling $1.7 million to Hamas through Gaza aid campaigns, NYPD undercover operation exposes network

Two brothers from Louisiana have been charged with federal terrorism crimes in relation to an alleged international fundraising scheme where prosecutors claim the brothers were collecting funds in the name of providing humanitarian aid to Gaza before diverting the money to Hamas. The case revolved around social media accounts, payment systems, and an NYPD undercover police officer. It was made public after the indictment by federal agents in October 2026.

As per The New York Post, Abdel Adhami and his brother Omar Adhami were arrested in Louisiana recently on allegations of raising funds and sending money to Saleem Alzaq, who prosecutors say is a Hamas member. As per reports by CBS News, the fundraising scheme has allegedly raised over $1.7 million from January 2020 to December 2025, of which over $626,000 was raised in the US.

Social Media and coded messages allegedly used to channel funds

As per the federal complaints, Abdel is accused of using various Snapchat accounts in disseminating Hamas propaganda, soliciting donations and directing users towards a Telegram account. The account is alleged to have promoted propaganda of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad and solicited donations.

According to the NY Post, Abdel allegedly made payments of over $83,000 from 2023 to 2026, while Omar allegedly sent $6,000. The investigation revealed that the two brothers used the term “bread” as code names for Hamas fighters and money.

In a January 2024 Snapchat exchange cited in court documents, Alzaq allegedly referred to donations by saying, “Some of them received the bread, thanks be to god.”

“This is the message I wanted to deliver to the person who donated the bread,” Alzaq said to Abdel in another message according to the outlet.

Undercover NYPD detective helped uncover alleged network

The investigation gained momentum in November 2025, when Alzaq allegedly contacted an undercover NYPD detective posing as a Hamas supporter on Snapchat. A month later, Alzaq reportedly directed the detective to contact Abdel to discuss transferring funds.

“Call him and come to an understanding with him and see what’s the best method, how to transfer, how to send them [funds]. This young man transfers to me on a monthly basis,” the message reads.

Abdel allegedly wrote to the cop: “But do not worry everything is legal, God willing.”

It remains unclear whether the undercover officer actually sent money to Abdel.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said, “The NYPD’s counterterrorism work knows no borders,” crediting intelligence analysts with uncovering the international financial network.

Abdel and Omar face charges including providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and wire fraud, while Alzaq faces additional conspiracy charges involving money laundering and sanctions violations.