Britain’s Charity Commission has initiated a formal inquiry to investigate the funds raised for charitable purposes on behalf of one Aozma Sultana.

Aozma Sultana has been sanctioned by the UK Government due to suspicions of involvement in providing financial support to Gaza Now, a news agency known for promoting Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Consequently, Sultana is subject to a comprehensive asset freeze, and her name has been listed on the ‘UK Sanctions List‘ as a designated individual.

This designation automatically disqualifies her from holding trustee positions or senior management roles in charities.

The regulator’s investigative team launched the inquiry upon discovering that two companies, both under Sultana’s sole directorship, had seemingly collaborated with Gaza Now to raise funds for providing humanitarian aid to those in need in Gaza.

Additionally, the team took note of information released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, indicating that these companies have contributed thousands of dollars to Gaza Now.

Indeed, the U.S. Treasury took action against Sultana and others on March 27th.

The UK Treasury further alleges that these same companies promoted Gaza Now as a partner during a joint fundraiser, which commenced shortly after Hamas’ October 7th terrorist attack on Israel.

The regulator harboured serious concerns regarding the potential misappropriation of the funds raised, suspecting that they may not have been utilized for their intended charitable purposes.

Despite the public appeal for donations to procure emergency medication, food, and shelter for those in need, there are suspicions that the funds were directed towards Gaza Now.

Under legal obligations, individuals and organizations soliciting funds for charitable causes are responsible for ensuring that the funds are utilized as intended by the donors.

The regulator’s focus is on determining the activities undertaken by Sultana and/or the UK-registered companies, Aakhirah Limited and Al-Qureshi Executives, to ascertain their alignment with the Commission’s jurisdiction.

Additionally, the investigation aims to analyze the methods employed for fundraising and the utilization of charitable funds to ensure full accountability.

Should additional regulatory issues surface, the Commission reserves the right to expand the scope of the inquiry.

Upon the conclusion of the inquiry, it is customary for the Commission to release a report outlining the issues examined, any actions taken, and the outcomes of the investigation.

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