Legal News

The Charity Commission has welcomed the conviction of a man for offences involving fundraising for terrorism.

Adeel Ul-Haq was convicted of the offence of entering into a funding arrangement contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

The conviction followed a criminal investigation by the North East Counter Terrorism Unit (NE CTU) involving purported charitable fundraising for those affected by the Syria crisis.

Ul-Haq was also convicted of assisting others to commit an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 5 of Terrorism Act 2006.

An investigation into his activities found Ul-Haq had been soliciting charitable donations via his Twitter account, in support of “humanitarian aid convoys” and other aid efforts to assist those affected by the crisis in Syria.

On 15 April 2014, following information from the NE CTU, the commission opened a statutory inquiry into funds raised for charitable purposes and held on charitable trusts in the name of Ul-Haq. The commission believed the funds were at risk – and took immediate temporary and protective action to protect charitable funds personally held by the Ul-Haq.

The commission’s inquiry was not announced publicly due to the ongoing criminal investigation.

On 25 April 2014, the commission exercised its powers and froze the bank account of Ul-Haq, into which charitable donations had been paid.

On 21 July 2014, to secure the proper application of the donated funds, the commission directed the bank in which the funds were held to transfer them to another charity to apply to assist those affected by the Syria crisis.

The commission went on to take further regulatory action and on 17 September 2014, made an order to remove Ul-Haq from his role as a trustee of charitable funds.

As a result, he is now disqualified from acting as a trustee or charity trustee in the future.

Director of Investigations, Monitoring and Enforcement, Michelle Russell, said:

“We are pleased with today’s verdict and that the commission has been able to protect funds donated by the public to assist those affected by the Syria crisis.

“If you raise funds for humanitarian work or other charitable purposes, you assume the role and responsibilities of a trustee over those funds and are accountable for their proper use, even if you have not registered as a charity or you are not acting on behalf of one.

“Our investigation shows that individuals will not get away with abusing charitable funds.

“We have worked with the NE CTU since 2014 to assist their investigation –
and so as to enable us to take action to protect and ensure the proper application of charitable funds.

“This process is unfinished and we will pursue all options to recover and apply any other charitable funds that can be identified.”

Duncan Lewis Terrorism Solicitors

Duncan Lewis terrorism solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving allegations under the Terrorism Act, including fundraising for terrorism, assisting or encouraging others to commit acts of terrorism, belonging to a proscribed organisation or carrying out acts of terrorism.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and Duncan Lewis crime lawyers are available 24/7, 365 days a year to advise on criminal charges.

For expert legal advise on terrorism offences, call Duncan Lewis terrorism solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.