UK probes major Muslim charity after director charged with funneling aid to Hamas

The UK Charity Commission has launched a formal inquiry into the Al-Khair Foundation, a prominent Muslim charity based in the UK, following allegations that it has been linked to Hamas and has funneled funds to the militant group. The probe comes amid the arrest of Mohammad Yousef Hasna, a senior figure within the charity, who was recently detained in the UK on charges of conspiring to provide material support to Hamas. Hasna, a Turkish national, is currently being held pending extradition to the United States, where he faces federal charges related to his alleged role in facilitating financial and logistical support for Hamas. The investigation was triggered by a complaint alleging that the charity and its associates had connections to Hamas and had provided funding to the group. The Charity Commission, which oversees charities in England and Wales, has initiated a statutory inquiry to examine these claims. This includes assessing the nature and extent of the charity’s relationship with Hasna, whether its trustees conducted adequate due diligence on international partners, and whether they have effective systems in place to monitor the use of funds abroad. The commission emphasized that it does not investigate criminal matters but can refer findings to law enforcement if there is evidence of wrongdoing. The probe follows the arrest of Hasna, who was extradited to the US and charged with conspiring to provide material support to Hamas. According to the US Department of Justice, Hasna operated a so-called “Sham Charity” to channel resources to Hamas, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The FBI indictment alleges that Hasna manipulated documentation and images to mislead donors and the public about the true beneficiaries of the charity’s activities. It also states that the charity’s gross income nearly doubled following the attacks, increasing from £31.28 million to £74.79 million in the financial year ending July 31, 2025. The charity’s income rose significantly over the past few years, according to the indictment. In 2023, the charity reported revenue of approximately $41 million, which increased to $81 million in 2024 and reached around $100 million in 2025. The US prosecutors claim that Hasna maintained close ties with Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad, with whom he exchanged communications detailing the transfer of millions of dollars to the group. The indictment includes a detailed ledger showing nearly £4 million in incoming funds and £2.3 million in expenses, with over £500,000 specifically attributed to Hamad. The FBI alleges that Hasna and Hamad coordinated the transportation, storage, and distribution of aid and supplies to Hamas in Gaza while concealing the group’s involvement. One exchange between the two suggests that Hamad requested that Hasna film aid parcels stored in a facility without revealing any identifying markers linking them to Hamas. Days later, Hasna reportedly discussed redirecting 5,000 food parcels to Hamad. Additionally, Hasna sought Hamad’s assistance in obtaining contact details for international organizations such as the United Nations and the Red Cross. In response to the ongoing investigation, the Al-Khair Foundation stated that it is cooperating fully with the statutory inquiry and is treating the matter with the utmost seriousness. The charity described itself as a “proudly British humanitarian organization” with a long-standing commitment to alleviating poverty and providing aid to vulnerable communities worldwide. It reiterated its dedication to maintaining robust governance and oversight processes to ensure that donations reach their intended recipients. Counter-Terror Policing London has also confirmed its involvement in the investigation, with two search warrants executed at addresses in Croydon, South London. The charity’s legal status has been affected by the probe, with the Charity Commission issuing an order restricting certain financial transactions without its prior approval. As the inquiry progresses, the outcome could have significant implications for both the charity and the broader landscape of international humanitarian aid.