The Charity Commission has confirmed it has launched a statutory
inquiry to investigate funds raised for charitable purposes by
and on behalf of Aozma Sultana.
Aozma Sultana was sanctioned by the UK Government following
suspected involvement in providing financial support for Gaza
Now, a news agency that promotes Hamas and Palestinian Islamic
Jihad. This means she is now subject to a full asset freeze and
her name appears on the ‘UK Sanctions List' as a designated
person. As a result, Ms Sultana is now automatically disqualified
from being a trustee or holding a senior management position in a
charity.
The regulator's investigations team launched an inquiry after
becoming aware that two companies, of which Ms Sultana is sole
director, appear to have partnered with Gaza Now to raise funds
to provide humanitarian support for those in need in Gaza. The
investigations team is also aware of information published by the
U.S. Department of the Treasury which has stated that the two
companies have given thousands of dollars to Gaza Now. The US
Treasury states that the same companies advertised Gaza Now as a
partner during a joint fundraiser, which started shortly after
Hamas' October 7 terrorist attack on Israel.
The regulator has serious concerns that the funds raised may not
have been used for their intended purposes and may have been
misappropriated. The appeal sought donations from the public for
emergency medication, food and shelter to help those in need but
is suspected of funding Gaza Now.
Individuals and organisations raising funds for a particular
charitable purpose have a legal responsibility for ensuring they
are used for the purposes intended by the donors.
The regulator seeks to determine what activities undertaken by Ms
Sultana and/or the UK registered companies (Aakhirah Limited and
Al-Qureshi Executives) fall within the Commission's jurisdiction.
It is also investigating how charitable funds have been raised
and used to ascertain if these funds can be fully accounted for.
The Commission may extend the scope of the inquiry if additional
regulatory issues emerge.
It is the Commission's usual policy, after it has concluded an
inquiry, to publish a report detailing the issues examined, any
action taken, and the inquiry's outcomes.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial
government department that registers and regulates charities in
England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that
is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive.
This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment
where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil
their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening
society.
- On 28th March 2024, the Charity Commission opened a statutory
inquiry into funds raised for charitable purposes by or on behalf
of Aozma Sultana, under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011.
- In accordance with section 178 of the Charities Act 2011 and
due to her designation, Ms Sultana is automatically disqualified
from serving as a trustee for any charity, whether registered
with the Commission or not. This disqualification extends to
holding senior management positions within a charity.
- On 27th March 2024, the UK Government announced new sanctions
on persons linked to Hamas-supporting media network, which
included Ms Sultana.
- The Commission encourages members of the public to donate to
fundraising appeals by registered charities. In response to the
Israel-Gaza conflict, the regulator produced advice last year
which included tips to help people ensure their donations reached
those in need. More information and advice can be found via this
link: Charity Commission
advice on how to help civilians impacted by the Israel-Gaza
conflict - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
