UK watchdog probes prominent Islamic aid charity over Hamas connections, funding

The UK Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into Al-Khair Foundation over alleged Hamas connections and funding, following the arrest of employee Mohammad Yousef Hasna. The charity's income nearly doubled after October 7, rising from £31.28 million to £74.79 million. Counter Terror Policing London conducted searches in Croydon.

The UK Charity Commission has escalated its engagement with Al-Khair Foundation, a prominent Muslim-registered charity, to a statutory inquiry following allegations of connections to Hamas and funding of the group. The regulator received a complaint last month and has been gathering information. The escalation follows the arrest of Mohammad Yousef Hasna, an individual employed by Al-Khair, in the UK last week. Hasna was extradited to the US and charged with conspiring to provide material support to Hamas. The US Department of Justice said Hasna provided financing and commodities to Hamas through what was identified as a Sham Charity, which The Telegraph found to be Al-Khair. The FBI indictment noted that Al-Khair's gross income nearly doubled following the October 7 Hamas Massacres, rising from £31.28 million to £74.79 million. The charity recorded an income of over £74 million in the financial year ending July 31, 2025. The Commission has issued a legal order restricting certain financial transactions without its consent. The investigation will examine the charity's links to Hasna, due diligence on partners, and monitoring of funds. Counter Terror Policing London confirmed investigations, with two search warrants in Croydon. Al-Khair said it is cooperating fully and committed to ensuring funds are used for their intended purpose.