An UK-based international aid charity is facing a probe by counter terror police and the charity watchdog over alleged links to Hamas.
Mohammad Yousef Hasna, 45, from Istanbul, Turkey, was arrested in the UK last week accused of conspiring to funnel money and supplies to Hamas through his senior role in what prosecutors say was a sham global humanitarian organisation.
Hasna is being held pending extradition proceedings before he can be taken to New York to face charges brought by the US.
The Charity Commission has launched an inquiry into the Al-Khair Foundation, a Muslim faith UK-based charity purported to be providing emergency relief and developmental support around the world.
Counter Terror Policing London (CTP) also confirmed they are investigating the foundation and carried out two search warrants on addresses in Croydon on Friday, July 31, but have not made any arrests.
Police confirmed they were working with the charity commission, and were aware of the arrest of Hasna by the US authorities.
The Charity Commission investigation intends to find out the extent of the Al-Khair Foundation’s links with Hasna and whether trustees are carrying out due diligence on partners and use of funds.
The foundation said it is “co-operating fully” with the inquiry and had already filed a serious incident report with the watchdog before it was launched.
A spokesperson for the foundation said: “Everywhere we work we are firmly committed to ensuring that the funds entrusted to us by our generous donors are used for their intended purpose: meeting the humanitarian needs of poor and marginalised people in the communities we serve.
“Al-Khair Foundation is deeply committed to supporting those in need in Gaza.
“Our significant support over many years has included providing food parcels, hot meals, clean water, medical aid, shelter materials, winter assistance and orphan and family support.”
The foundation also maintains that Hasna is not an employee but works with one of its global partners to enable the delivery of aid around the world.
US lawyer Jamie McDonald in New York alleged Hasna worked closely with Hamas’ senior leadership to deliver supplies, food and funding to Hamas under the guise of humanitarian aid.
Both the US and the UK have designated Hamas a terrorist organisation.
The Al-Khair Foundation recorded an income of more than £74 million in the financial year ending July 31 2025, the watchdog said.
A Charity Commission statement published on Friday said: “Last month the commission received a complaint alleging the charity and its partners had connections to Hamas, a proscribed terrorist organisation.
“It also alleged the charity had funded the organisation. The regulator immediately started examining the serious concerns raised and gathered more information to inform its assessment. The commission has now escalated its engagement to a statutory inquiry.”
A CTP spokesperson said: “The FBI are leading the investigation in relation to that individual, although CTP London remain in contact with colleagues in the US over this matter.”
Al-Khair is also subject to a legal order restricting some financial transactions being made without the consent of the Charity Commission.
The charges lodged against Hasna include conspiring to provide material support to Hamas, conspiring to finance terrorism and financing terrorism. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
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