Islamic Charity in Britain Accused of Funnelling Money and Goods to Hamas Leaders: Report

Islamic Charity in Britain Accused of Funnelling Funds and Goods to Hamas Leaders British authorities have begun investigating a major Islamic charity, the Al-Khair Foundation, after it was accused by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of acting as a conduit for financial and material support to Hamas, the Palestinian militant group designated as a terrorist organization by several governments. According to an indictment reviewed by the London-based newspaper Daily Telegraph, Mohammad Yousef Hasna, the global director of the Al-Khair Foundation, is alleged to have used his position within the UK’s largest Muslim charity to raise funds and provide financing and commodities to Hamas leaders. The FBI alleges that Hasna communicated with individuals at the highest levels of Hamas, including Ghazi Hamad, discussing how the charity could be leveraged to fund the terror group. The indictment states that Hasna helped procure and transport goods to Gaza, with evidence suggesting that “truckloads” of supplies were sent under the guise of humanitarian aid for Palestinians. To conceal these activities, the indictment claims that Hasna manipulated photographs and documents to mislead the public and potential donors about the true beneficiaries of the charity’s fundraising efforts. One of the charity’s employees, Hossam Mansour, was reportedly killed in 2024 by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) while serving as a platoon commander for Hamas. This incident has added to the controversy surrounding the charity’s operations and its alleged ties to militant groups. The Al-Khair Foundation, which the FBI refers to as the “Sham Charity,” saw a dramatic increase in donations following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. Annual contributions rose from £31.28 million ($42 million) to £74.79 million ($101 million), positioning it among the largest Islamic charities in the UK. In addition to its aid work in the Middle East, the foundation runs multiple Islamic schools in the United Kingdom and has reportedly collaborated with the British government on initiatives aimed at combating perceived hatred toward Muslims. The charity has also utilized the British Gift Aid tax relief program to reclaim £9 million ($12 million) in taxes over the past five years. Following the allegations, both the Metropolitan Police and the Charity Commission have initiated investigations into the organization, which has now been placed under restrictions requiring Commission approval before it can spend funds. Mohammad Yousef Hasna was recently arrested by the National Crime Agency, Britain’s counterpart to the FBI, and faces extradition to the United States. The case has sparked broader concerns about the oversight of Islamic charities operating in the UK and the mechanisms in place to ensure transparency and accountability. Professor Matt Goodwin, a supporter of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, criticized the situation, stating that “suicidal empathy” allows charities to receive state funding while channeling resources to groups that seek to undermine Western interests. He argued that such actions highlight flaws in the current system for vetting charitable organizations. In response, the Al-Khair Foundation denied the allegations, asserting that it is a humanitarian organization established in 2003 and registered in the UK. The charity emphasized its commitment to ethical practices and stated that Hasna was employed by one of its implementing partners. It reiterated its dedication to using donor funds for their intended humanitarian purposes and maintaining the integrity of its operations.