UK counter‑terror police and the nation’s charity regulator have opened inquiries into the Al‑Khair Foundation after a senior figure linked to the organisation was arrested in the UK on allegations of funnelling money and aid to Hamas, law enforcement and the charity said.
The man, named by prosecutors as Mohammad Yousef Hasna, 45, was detained after arriving in the UK from Istanbul and is being held while extradition proceedings are considered ahead of potential transfer to New York to face charges brought by US authorities. UK police said they had not made any arrests in connection with the ongoing inquiries.
Searches carried out as watchdog examines trustees’ oversight
Counter Terror Policing London (CTP) confirmed it conducted two search warrants at addresses in Croydon on 31 July, and said it was working in tandem with the Charity Commission. The regulator has launched a formal investigation into the Al‑Khair Foundation to establish the extent of any links to Hasna and to assess whether trustees exercised proper due diligence over partners and the use of funds.
The Charity Commission’s inquiry will examine trustee governance and financial controls at an organisation that presents itself as providing emergency relief and development support worldwide.
“Everywhere we work we are firmly committed to ensuring that the funds entrusted to us by our generous donors are used for their intended purpose: meeting the humanitarian needs of poor and marginalised people in the communities we serve,” the foundation said.
The foundation said it was co‑operating with the regulator and had already filed a serious incident report before the Commission launched its probe.
Foundation outlines nature of its support
In a statement responding to the inquiries, the Al‑Khair Foundation outlined the types of assistance it has provided in Gaza and other locations. The charity listed:
- food parcels and hot meals
- clean water and medical aid
- shelter materials, winter assistance and orphan and family support
The foundation also said Hasna was not an employee but worked with one of its global partners to help deliver aid internationally.
| Entity | Current status |
|---|---|
| Mohammad Yousef Hasna | Arrested in UK; being held pending extradition to New York to face US charges |
| Counter Terror Policing London | Conducted two searches in Croydon (31 July); investigating and cooperating with Charity Commission |
| Charity Commission | Launched formal inquiry into Al‑Khair Foundation; assessing links to Hasna and trustees’ due diligence |
| Al‑Khair Foundation | Co‑operating; says it filed a serious incident report and denies Hasna was an employee |
UK authorities have stressed that while the US has made the arrest, domestic enquiries are ongoing. Police said there were no arrests in the UK linked to the allegation that Hasna conspired to send cash and supplies to an organisation accused by prosecutors of aiding Hamas.
The probes reach across legal and regulatory boundaries, combining criminal inquiries by national security units with scrutiny of charitable governance. For donors, partner charities and vulnerable communities that depend on international relief, the inquiries raise immediate questions about transparency and oversight where funds cross borders and are delivered through partner organisations.
Officials have not disclosed further operational details or the precise nature of the US allegations. UK investigators and the Charity Commission are expected to continue gathering evidence as they determine whether regulatory or criminal action is warranted domestically.
The dual investigations highlight the complexity of policing humanitarian flows in conflict zones and the heightened attention on charities operating in or providing assistance to areas affected by armed groups.
As inquiries proceed, trustees and donors will be watching for outcomes that could affect confidence in a number of UK‑based faith and humanitarian organisations that operate internationally.
