Full Breakdown
Charity Commission Opens Statutory Inquiry into Al-Khair Foundation over Alleged Hamas Links
8/9/2026, 2:51:47 AM
Core Event: Statutory Inquiry Launched
On 7 August 2026 the UK Charity Commission announced a formal statutory inquiry into Al-Khair Foundation and imposed an order restricting the charity’s ability to transfer funds to Gaza, to Mohammad Yousef Hasna, or to his affiliated organisation without prior Commission approval. The action follows a July 2026 complaint alleging links to Hamas, a proscribed terrorist organisation.
Background & Context
Al-Khair Foundation, a Muslim-faith-based aid charity headquartered in Croydon, reports annual income exceeding £74 million for the year ending 31 July 2025 and operates in more than 75 countries. In July 2026 the advocacy group UK Lawyers for Israel submitted a report alleging “operational involvement” between Al-Khair and Hamas, citing individuals linked to the charity’s Turkish branch who had previously been described as Hamas spokespeople.
Separately, on 31 July 2026 the US Department of Justice announced that Mohammad Yousef Hasna, a 45-year-old Turkish national, had been arrested in the United Kingdom and charged in New York with conspiring to provide material support to Hamas and financing terrorism. He is being held by the National Crime Agency pending extradition.
Data & Statistics
- Reported income for the year ending 31 July 2025: more than £74 million (Charity Commission).
- Civilsociety records £74.8 million income and £69.5 million expenditure for the same period.
- The Commission’s order (5 August 2026) restricts any transaction to Hasna, his organisation, or Gaza without prior permission.
All sources place the charity’s revenue in the mid-£70 million range.
Official Statements & Responses
The regulator noted it does not investigate criminal matters but will refer any evidence to the police. Al-Khair said it is “co-operating fully” with the inquiry, that Hasna was not an employee but worked with an implementing partner, and that it had temporarily paused funding to that partner as a compliance measure.
A UKLFI spokesperson welcomed the Commission’s response, emphasizing the need for robust due-diligence by charities handling tens of millions of pounds.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Income figures: The Charity Commission cites “more than £74 million”, Civilsociety lists “£74.8 million”, and other outlets refer to “over £74 million”.
- Hasna’s employment status: Al-Khair maintains Hasna was not an employee; the US indictment describes him as holding a senior role in a “global humanitarian organisation”. The exact contractual relationship remains unresolved.
What’s Next
The inquiry will examine: (1) Al-Khair’s links to Hasna; (2) trustees’ due-diligence on international partners; (3) monitoring of overseas fund use; and whether any governance failures constitute misconduct. The Commission will publish its findings and any regulatory action after the inquiry concludes, referring any criminal evidence to the police.
