Two people have been arrested as part of a police investigation into allegations of fraud and money laundering at a “Barnabas family” charity.
Recently, the Charity Commission opened inquiries into four charities with ties to Barnabas Aid, which it is also investigating, after it identified possible risks due to their shared premises and the flow of funds with the organisation.
The four charities include the Oxford Centre for Religion in Public Life plus the Wiltshire-based TBF Trust, Reconciliation Trust and Servants Fellowship International.
Now, Wiltshire Police has confirmed that it is investigating a Wiltshire-based charity and arrested two people last year.
“On 7 November, we arrested two people in connection with an ongoing fraud investigation,” a police spokesperson told Civil Society.
“A man in his 70s and a woman in her 60s were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and money laundering. They have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
“This is part of an active investigation into allegations of fraud linked to a Wiltshire-based charity.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
Ongoing investigations
In September 2024, the Charity Commission imposed a spending restriction on Barnabas Aid after it identified legal and financial concerns of a possible “£15m hole” in the Christian charity’s global network.
Its separate inquiry into TBF Trust also restricted any transactions above £2,500 unless its trustees gain written consent from the commission.
Two other regulators are also assessing concerns about the TBF Trust after concerns were raised.
A Fundraising Regulator spokesperson told Civil Society: “We have received two complaints about TBF Trust, which are being considered.
“As this is a live case, we are not able to comment further on the details.”
A spokesperson from the Information Commissioner’s Office told Civil Society: “Barnabas Fund has made us aware of an incident and we are assessing the information provided.”
Barnabas Aid, registered as Barnabas Fund with the commission, told Civil Society that nobody from the charity was available for comment.
Civil Society has asked TBF Trust to comment.
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