Since its establishment in 2013, the Five Star Movement in Italy has nurtured controversial and risky relationships with various dictators and extremist groups. This includes public demonstrations of support for Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and connections with Mohammad Hannoun, a known Hamas financier arrested for terrorism. The party's ties raise pressing questions about the implications of such alliances on Italy's foreign policy and approach to terrorism.

The investigation by the Genoa Prosecutor's Office into Hannoun reveals even deeper ties between the party and extremist factions. Conversations between Sulaiman Hijazi, an associate of Hannoun, and a former Five Star MP discussed transferring substantial funds to Gaza, highlighting the potential financial implications of these relationships. This suggests not only a political flirtation but also a potential complicity in controversial funding practices that could have repercussions on national security.

Furthermore, the continued involvement of the Five Star Movement in international affairs—such as missions to Russia under Putin—further complicates the party's image. Founded by comedian Beppe Grillo and later led by Giuseppe Conte, the movement's engagement with authoritarian regimes and terrorist entities draws scrutiny from both domestic critics and international observers, as the broader implications for Italy's reputation on the world stage are at stake.