Charity watchdog investigates aid charity over alleged Hamas links

A UK-based aid charity, the Al-Khair Foundation, is under investigation by the Charity Commission and counter-terror police over alleged links to Hamas. The inquiry was launched on Friday, following the arrest of Mohammad Yousef Hasna, a Turkish national, on suspicion of conspiring to funnel money and supplies to Hamas through a "sham charity." Hasna, 45, was detained by the UK's National Crime Agency and faces extradition to New York to answer U.S. charges. The Charity Commission has initiated a statutory inquiry into the Al-Khair Foundation, a Muslim faith-based organization based in Croydon, South London. The probe follows a complaint alleging that the charity and its partners have connections to Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by both the UK and U.S. governments. The commission stated it had received the allegation last month and began examining the claims promptly. It has since escalated its involvement to a formal inquiry. Counter-Terror Policing London confirmed separate investigations into the charity, with two search warrants issued for addresses in Croydon. The Al-Khair Foundation has stated it is "co-operating fully" with the inquiry and had previously submitted a serious incident report to the Charity Commission before the official launch of the probe. The charity emphasized its commitment to using donated funds for humanitarian purposes, particularly in supporting vulnerable populations in Gaza. According to the Charity Commission, the Al-Khair Foundation reported an income exceeding £74 million in the financial year ending 31 July 2025. The watchdog noted that it became aware of the allegations against Hasna and acted swiftly to investigate. The charity is also under a legal order that restricts certain financial transactions without the commission's approval. Hasna is accused by U.S. prosecutors of holding a senior position within a "purported global humanitarian organisation" and coordinating directly with Hamas's leadership to deliver funds and supplies to Gaza. The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that these actions were carried out at Hamas's instruction, with the aim of supporting the group's operations. Each of the three charges, conspiring to provide material support to Hamas, conspiring to finance terrorism, and financing terrorism, carries a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. U.S. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg condemned the flow of funds through such organizations, stating that such activity fuels Hamas's terrorist activities, including the attacks on October 7. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York has not named the specific "sham charity" in its public statements, though it is widely believed to be the Al-Khair Foundation. The Al-Khair Foundation maintains that Hasna is not an employee but collaborates with one of its global partners to facilitate aid delivery worldwide. The charity asserts that its efforts have included providing essential services such as food, water, medical care, and shelter to those in need in Gaza. It reiterated its dedication to serving marginalized communities and ensuring that donations are used effectively. The ongoing legal and regulatory scrutiny highlights the complexities surrounding charitable organizations operating in conflict zones. As the investigation continues, the outcome could have significant implications for the charity's operations and reputation, as well as broader discussions about accountability and transparency in international aid.