Remember The Beauty Supply Stores In Hammond And Slidell That Were Raided By The FBI? Here’s Why…

If you remember seeing federal agents raid beauty supply stores in Slidell and Hammond last month, we now know what authorities say was behind the investigation.

Federal prosecutors have charged two Covington brothers, Abdel Adhami, 35, and Omar Adhami, 33, with allegedly providing financial support to Hamas as part of an international fundraising network.

The brothers operate J-Lo Beauty Supply in Slidell and 4 Her Beauty Supply in Hammond. Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies raided both businesses on September 15, the same day the brothers were arrested.

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According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Abdel and Omar allegedly sent more than $105,000 into a Hamas financing network between February 2021 and September 2026.

Federal authorities allege Abdel contributed approximately $94,000, while Omar contributed approximately $11,000.

Investigators say the money was sent to a fundraising network operated by Saleem Alzaq, who authorities allege is connected to Hamas in Gaza.

The investigation goes far beyond Louisiana.

Federal prosecutors allege Alzaq operated an international fundraising network beginning around January 2020 that collected more than $1.7 million through campaigns presented publicly as humanitarian assistance for people in Gaza.

Authorities allege that money was instead being funneled to Hamas.

Court records also detail how investigators say the Louisiana brothers attempted to conceal what they were doing.

Federal investigators allege the brothers solicited money through social media platforms including Instagram and Snapchat and used wire transfers and intermediaries to move money. Investigators also allege coded language was used when discussing money intended for militants while other donations were described as humanitarian assistance.

The investigation ultimately involved law enforcement agencies in Louisiana, New York, Florida and France.

Three additional people associated with the alleged network were arrested by French authorities, while another defendant was arrested in Florida.

Both Adhami brothers have been charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Each of those charges carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

The case involving the Covington brothers is being investigated by the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

The charges are allegations. Abdel Adhami and Omar Adhami are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.