Charities

The tragic events in Turkey and Syria have led many of us to donate to charity to help the suffering of those affected. But an industry watchdog has warned that we need to be sure that we're not falling into the hands of fraudsters.

https://www.yourmoney.com/household-bills/beware-charity-scammers-preying-on-turkey-and-syria-quake-disasters/

A pernicious and disheartening crime, fundraising fraud poses a threat to the entire charity sector. Here, experts provide their thoughts on how to manage the relevant risks.

https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2023/jan-2023/how-can-charities-combat-fundraising-fraud

A Black Lives Matter organiser has pleaded not guilty to fraud charges relating to fundraising pages set up around the time of the demonstration in Bristol that ended with a statue of Edward Colston being toppled into the city’s harbour.

https://www.thenational.wales/news/23225192.blm-organiser-denies-fraud-charges-related-colston-protest/?ref=twtrec

An official who defrauded the Church of England out of £5.2 million to spend on his lavish lifestyle travelling the world has been jailed for five years.

https://www.thenational.wales/news/23200933.official-defrauded-church-england-5-2m-jailed-five-years/?ref=twtrec

A former church official from the Black Country said to have clocked up more flights than globetrotting broadcaster Alan Whicker has pleaded guilty to defrauding a charity of more than £5 million.

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/crime/2022/10/14/former-black-country-church-official-admits-to-5-million-fraud/

A "rotten apple" fundraiser who stole at least £5,000 from Macmillan Cancer Support has been jailed.

https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/crime/2022/10/06/jailed-rotten-apple-telford-fundraiser-stole-at-least-5000-rattling-tins-for-cancer-charity/

The Charity Commission has begun an investigation into the Joint Armed Forces Legal Advocacy Service (JAFLAS) in the wake of the continued involvement of notorious struck-off solicitor Dr Alan Blacker.

https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/watchdog-launches-probe-into-blackers-legal-advice-charity

The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that Martin Sargeant, former Head of Operations in the Two Cities, has been charged with fraud and money-laundering, dating back to between 2009 and 2019.

https://www.london.anglican.org/articles/update-on-fraud-investigation/

HMRC and the Charity Commission have both released guidance for avoiding self assessment scammers and bogus charities attempting to exploit the public.

https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2022/mar-2022/self-assessment-and-ukraine-crisis-fraud-prompts-warnings

A former manager at an autism charity has been jailed after it was found she used the organisation’s funds for private holidays.

https://westbridgfordwire.com/autism-charity-manager-jailed-after-stealing-145000-for-holidays-and-concerts/