The Charity Commission has opened a compliance case into the Hamish Ogston Foundation after media reports accused its founder of human trafficking.
An investigation by the Sunday Times alleged that Hamish Ogston trafficked women for his private office or foundation, which he set up in 2019.
Ogston, a millionaire with a reported £130m fortune, stepped down as chair of the charity following the reports.
A statement on the charity’s website reads that a new trustee has been appointed and that the foundation aims to recruit a third.
‘Serious concerns have been raised’
The Commission originally said it was assessing concerns raised with it “to determine our next steps” after the charity made a serious incident report following the allegations.
It has now confirmed to Civil Society that it has opened a compliance case.
“Serious concerns have been raised in the media regarding the chair of trustees of the Hamish Ogston Foundation,” a Commission spokesperson said.
“We have opened a regulatory compliance case in order to examine the concerns and engage with the trustees.”
The Hamish Ogston Foundation is yet to respond to requests for comment.
Charity returns funding
English Heritage has rejected a record £11.2m donation from the trust, which would have been the largest donation the charity ever received.
Public body Historic England also plans to return the funding it received from the foundation.
The National Trust is reviewing whether to reject a £6.2m donation it received from the trust in 2022 and used it to create an apprenticeship programme in Ogston’s name.
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