Charity Commission Launches Inquiry into Eight Jewish Charities Amid £22 Million Cheque Cashing Scandal
The Charity Commission has initiated formal investigations into eight Jewish charities suspected of issuing cheques that were later exchanged for cash, following evidence uncovered during an HMRC raid on a Hackney-based company. According to reports, 105 charities collectively cashed £22 million in cheques between December 2021 and March 2023.
The eight Jewish charities under investigation are Beis Aharon Charitable Trust Limited, Mifal Hachesed Vehatzedokoh, Friends of Beis Soroh Schneirer, One Heart – Lev Echod, Yad Vochissed Association Limited, Friends of Beis Chinuch Lebonos Trust, Chasdei Dov Trust, and Friends of Mercaz Hatorah Belz Macnivka. These organisations claim to focus on education, poverty relief, and the advancement of Orthodox Judaism.
The inquiry, as reported by The Jewish News, will examine whether trustees had adequate oversight of these transactions and if funds exchanged for cash were utilised in line with each charity’s objectives. Investigators will also assess whether trustees acted in the best interests of their charities.
"We are taking this very seriously," said a spokesperson for the Charity Commission. "These organisations were prioritised based on the volume and value of cheques involved. The number of charities under investigation is expected to increase as the inquiry progresses." The Commission has issued an immediate temporary order preventing the charities under investigation from issuing further cheques without prior consent.
Using its statutory powers, the Charity Commission aims to establish the facts around how these funds were handled and whether the trustees fulfilled their legal duties. As The Jewish News previously reported, HMRC revealed that the 105 charities cashed £22 million in cheques over a 15-month period.
The Charity Commission’s inquiry will focus on ensuring that charitable funds are being used for their intended purposes and that trustees are acting in the best interests of their organisations. As the investigation unfolds, it is likely to raise questions about the oversight and regulation of charitable organisations in the UK. According to The Jewish News, the Charity Commission has stated that it will continue to work closely with HMRC and other regulatory bodies to ensure that charitable funds are being used effectively and efficiently.
In a statement, the Charity Commission said: "The inquiry will establish the facts around how these funds were handled and whether the trustees fulfilled their legal duties." As reported by The Jewish News, the investigation is ongoing, and it is expected that further details will emerge as the inquiry progresses.
The eight charities under investigation are:
- Beis Aharon Charitable Trust Limited
- Mifal Hachesed Vehatzedokoh
- Friends of Beis Soroh Schneirer
- One Heart – Lev Echod
- Yad Vochissed Association Limited
- Friends of Beis Chinuch Lebonos Trust
- Chasdei Dov Trust
- Friends of Mercaz Hatorah Belz Macnivka
These charities claim to focus on education, poverty relief, and the advancement of Orthodox Judaism. The Charity Commission’s investigation will aim to ensure that these organisations are using their funds effectively and efficiently.
The investigation is a significant development in the charity sector, highlighting the need for robust oversight and regulation of charitable organisations. As The Jewish News continues to monitor the situation, further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The Charity Commission’s actions demonstrate its commitment to ensuring that charitable funds are being used for their intended purposes. As reported by The Jewish News, the investigation is a significant step towards maintaining public trust and confidence in the charity sector.
In conclusion, the Charity Commission’s inquiry into the eight Jewish charities is a crucial development in the charity sector. As The Jewish News continues to provide updates on the investigation, it is clear that the charity sector must remain vigilant in ensuring that charitable funds are being used effectively and efficiently.
