Spanish authorities have arrested a 38-year-old Chinese national accused of transferring around €600,000 in cryptocurrency to addresses linked to Hamas. The suspect, who operates a hair salon near Barcelona, was detained on Tuesday and later released under restrictions. The case, which began as a money laundering probe, has escalated into a terrorism-financing investigation.
Spain's high court, the Audiencia Nacional, has launched an inquiry into a 38-year-old man suspected of facilitating cryptocurrency transfers to an entity associated with Hamas. The individual, identified as a Chinese national running a hair salon in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat in Catalonia, was arrested on Tuesday by the regional Mossos d'Esquadra police. He was subsequently released pending further proceedings, but ordered to surrender his passport and report regularly to authorities.
Investigators documented at least 31 transfers totaling about €600,000 from wallets under the suspect's control to digital addresses tied to the alleged Hamas-linked group. The probe originated in June 2025 as an examination of fraud and money laundering, but cryptocurrency activity prompted its reclassification as a terrorism-financing case. During searches of the suspect's home and business, police seized over €100,000 in cash, luxury jewelry, approximately 9,000 cigars, computers, and mobile phones. They also froze bank accounts and crypto assets, with the total value of confiscated and blocked items exceeding €370,000.
Authorities have not disclosed the suspect's potential motives or whether he knowingly engaged with Hamas, emphasizing the ongoing sensitivity of the investigation. The hair salon continues to operate, with the suspect and his partner reportedly still working there. No public indications of ideological radicalization have been noted, and officials are exploring possible financial incentives or connections to broader criminal networks. The case remains under judicial secrecy.
This incident highlights broader European concerns about terrorists exploiting cryptocurrency for cross-border fund movements, which hinder tracking efforts. Spanish media outlets including El País, La Vanguardia, Ara, and RTVE have covered the story, reporting consistent details on the transfers and judicial measures.
