Anti-Israel nonprofit under federal investigation over financial dealings: report

August 16, 2026 - 21:20

The Department of Homeland Security has opened a probe into a British nonprofit organization that has connections to New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, according to a new report. The group, which has been active in anti-Israel activism, is being examined over its financial dealings and possible links to entities that are under U.S. sanctions.

Sources familiar with the matter say the investigation focuses on whether the organization routed money or other support to groups that have been designated as terrorist affiliates by the federal government. The nonprofit, which is registered in the U.K., has not been publicly named in the report, but it is described as having worked closely with Mamdani's office and his political action committee.

Mamdani, a state assembly member who announced his run for mayor earlier this year, has not been accused of any wrongdoing. His campaign released a statement saying he has no knowledge of any improper financial activity and that he fully cooperates with any lawful inquiry. The statement also noted that his work with the nonprofit was limited to policy discussions around housing and tenant rights, not funding or operational decisions.

The federal probe is still in its early stages, and no charges have been filed. However, the news has already stirred political reactions in the city, with some rivals calling for Mamdani to release all communications with the group. Others have defended him, pointing out that many elected officials meet with international advocacy organizations without endorsing every action those groups take.

Homeland Security investigators are reportedly looking into bank records, donor lists, and travel logs tied to the nonprofit. They are also checking whether any U.S.-based fundraising events for the group violated federal laws regarding material support to sanctioned entities. The outcome of the review could take months, officials said.