Charity watchdog investigates aid charity over alleged Hamas links

A UK-based Muslim faith charity, the Al-Khair Foundation, is currently under investigation by both counter-terrorism police and the Charity Commission amid allegations of links to the designated terrorist group Hamas. On Friday, the Charity Commission initiated a formal inquiry into the foundation’s activities. Concurrently, Counter Terror Policing London (CTP) confirmed that two search warrants had been executed at properties in Croydon, South London, as part of ongoing inquiries.

Representatives for the Al-Khair Foundation emphasized their full cooperation with authorities during this process. They also noted that a serious incident report was submitted to the Charity Commission prior to the inquiry’s launch. A spokesperson stated, “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 highlighted its longstanding support for Gaza, providing essential aid such as food parcels, medical supplies, clean water, shelter materials, winter assistance, and support for orphans and families.

According to information on its website, the Al-Khair Foundation delivers emergency relief and development aid in some of the poorest regions globally. It is important to note that Hamas is classified as a terrorist organisation by both the UK and US governments. This ongoing investigation follows the recent arrest in the UK of Mohammad Yousef Hasna, 45, originally from Istanbul, Turkey. Hasna was detained based on US allegations accusing him of conspiring to channel money and supplies to Hamas through what the US Department of Justice described as a “sham charity,” though the organisation itself was not named in the DOJ’s release.

Al-Khair insists that Hasna is not a direct employee but rather collaborates with one of its international partners to facilitate aid delivery worldwide. Hasna remains in custody following his arrest by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and awaits extradition to the United States to face charges. The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York alleges that Hasna leveraged his senior position at an alleged global humanitarian organisation to coordinate with senior Hamas leadership concerning the transfer and distribution of funds and supplies at Hamas’s direction. He has been charged with conspiracy to provide material support to Hamas, conspiracy to finance terrorism, and financing terrorism—each carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. US Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg remarked, “The money that flows from sham charities like the one described in the complaint fuels Hamas’s terrorist activities, including the atrocities the group committed on October 7.”

Financial records show the Al-Khair Foundation reported an income exceeding £74 million for the financial year ending 31 July 2025. Upon being informed of the allegations involving Hasna, the Charity Commission promptly began examining the serious concerns raised and has now escalated its investigation to a statutory inquiry. Additionally, Al-Khair Foundation is subject to a legal order that restricts certain financial transactions without prior approval from the Charity Commission

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