Charity Commission
Concerns that 'Al-Muntada Trust' may be supporting Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram
The Charity Commission is trying to establish the identity of a charity linked to allegations of funding the Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram.
A commission statement said it was aware of claims made in The Observer that a charity called the Al-Muntada Trust has given financial support to Boko Haram, which has links to the terrorist group Al Qaeda and is connected with attacks against churches and Christians in Nigeria.
A spokeswoman for the Charity Commission said it was trying to establish which particular charity the allegations concerned.
"The commission is aware there may be some concerns with regards to an organisation entitled 'Al-Muntada Trust Fund' and specifically allegations that this organisation has provided financial support to the Nigerian group, Boko Haram," she said.
"There are a number of registered charities with a similar name to this organisation. The commission is not able to confirm at this stage whether or not this relates directly to a UK-registered charity."
There are two organisations on the Charity Commission register called the Al-Muntada Al Islamia Trust and the Al-Muntada Al-Islami Trust. Neither could be contacted by Third Sector for comment.
A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police said it was aware of the allegations, but there was no criminal investigation under way.
"We are aware of the information and are in close contact with the Charity Commission, who are assessing it," she said. "Should any allegations of criminal offences come to light we would investigate."
