Christian Charity Under Scrutiny for Alleged Misuse of Funds by Marquess
A Christian aid organization faces investigation over financial irregularities, including a £50,000 payment to a marquess for legal fees. The charity's estimated £100 million worth is now in question.
In a recent development, a Christian charity is facing scrutiny over alleged financial mismanagement, including a substantial payment to a prominent British peer. The Barnabas Aid organization, with an estimated value of £100 million, is now under investigation for potential misuse of funds.
The Marquess of Reading, an 82-year-old British peer, reportedly received £50,000 from the charity to cover legal expenses. This payment was ostensibly to address claims that he was offering access to the Kremlin through his connections with Prince Michael of Kent. The incident stems from a 2021 undercover operation by journalists posing as South Korean business executives.
The charity's financial irregularities extend beyond this single incident. Investigators are examining payments to various individuals associated with the organization, including its founders. The Very Reverend Dr Patrick Sookhdeo and his wife Rosemary allegedly received £1.3 million from the charity between 2009 and 2024.
"Significant payments to the founders, including the Very Reverend Dr Patrick Sookhdeo and his wife Rosemary, raise concerns about the use of charity funds."
The investigation, conducted by law firm Crowell and Moring LLP, has uncovered a complex web of financial transactions and allegations of workplace misconduct. Whistleblowers have reported a "toxic" work environment, while the probe has revealed "widespread use" of charity funds without proper verification.
Noel Frost, the former CEO of Barnabas Aid, is also implicated in the scandal. He was dismissed earlier this year following revelations that he had been disbarred in South Africa in 2022 for defrauding clients. The charity's finances are now estimated to have a £15 million deficit.
The Marquess of Reading's involvement with the charity extends beyond the legal fee payment. He reportedly received additional funds for rent and a car, totaling nearly £100,000 between 2016 and 2020. These payments were described as support for his charitable work raising awareness about persecuted Christian communities worldwide.
As the investigation continues, the Charity Commission and other statutory bodies are involved in overseeing the process. A spokesperson for Barnabas Aid stated that they are committed to resolving the issues and recovering any misused funds if wrongdoing is confirmed.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the charity maintains that it continues to support oppressed and marginalized people globally. The organization's staff and supporters express their dedication to restoring trust in the charity's mission and operations.
