Hamas’s Global Reach: How Gangs and Criminal Networks Fuel Its Terrorism

A Danish man linked to a local gang was detained for allegedly procuring drones for a Hamas attack — showing how Hamas uses criminal networks in Europe to advance its operations

Danish authorities recently detained a 28-year-old man suspected of procuring drones for use in a Hamas terror attack. According to police, he has played a leading role in the Loyal to Familia (LTF) gang, a criminal organization rooted in Copenhagen’s underworld. The man, who was previously extradited from Lebanon on murder charges, has pleaded not guilty. His arrest reflects how Hamas leverages established criminal networks to support its operations beyond the Middle East.

A Shift in Hamas’s Strategy: From Local to Global

Analyst Yoni Ben Menachem, in his article with the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, explains that historically Hamas focused its attacks within the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Israel to avoid damaging its global image. After the October 7, 2023 massacre near Gaza, Hamas expanded into a transnational terrorist threat with operations across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

On January 13, 2024, the Mossad and Shin Bet publicly disclosed Hamas’s global activities since October 7, revealing coordinated efforts spanning the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The key Hamas operatives behind coordinating these activities worldwide were Saleh al-Arouri, Azzam al-Aqraa, and Samir Findi, who were eliminated by Israel in Lebanon in January, 2024.

Hamas’ command structure for terror operations abroad. Credit: Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Hamas’s Broader European and Global Network

Hamas’s use of local criminal gangs like LTF as proxies for terror operations reflects a tactic commonly employed by Iranian intelligence, providing plausible deniability and a layer of separation from the attacks. Khalil Haraz, Hamas’s former deputy military commander in Lebanon who was eliminated by Israel in November 2023, played a key role in establishing terrorist networks across Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Although Hamas lacks a dedicated operational infrastructure abroad, it works with allies like Hezbollah, Iran, and the Muslim Brotherhood to access weapons and support in Europe. The group is reportedly building operational and intelligence networks across several countries to target Israelis and Jewish communities.

Hamas’s cooperation with criminal gangs enabled an attempted attack on the Israeli embassy in Sweden, which was prevented through intelligence sharing between Shin Bet, Mossad, and European agencies. Arrests in Denmark and Germany reflect ongoing efforts to dismantle these networks.

Majed Al-Zeer: Hamas’ Prominent European Operative

Majed al-Zeer is identified by European authorities as a central Hamas operative in Germany and is currently the subject of a European arrest warrant. German police cracked down at the end of 2023 on several Hamas supporters in Berlin, discovering weapons in a hidden underground depot intended for attacks on Jewish institutions across Europe.

Al-Zeer is alleged to potentially be in Sweden. Recently, al-Zeer was seen attending events in Istanbul, Turkey, alongside Sami Al-Arian, a former financier of the U.S.-designated terror group Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). His movements have drawn attention from Swedish and German law enforcement, reflecting concerns about Hamas’s efforts to coordinate activities and fundraise in Europe.

Majed al-Zeer (right), recently pictured attending an event in Instanbul with former PIJ financier, Sami al-Arian (left). Credit: Center for Islam and Global Affairs on Facebook

The Growing Global Threat

Hamas’s expanded strategy beyond traditional battlegrounds poses new security challenges. Intelligence sharing and coordinated law enforcement remain essential to stopping attacks and protecting civilians worldwide. Recent measures, like Switzerland’s new law banning Hamas and related organizations from May 15, demonstrate growing international resolve to deny the group safe havens and disrupt its financial and operational networks.