A Christian charity has been placed under investigation by a watchdog after its CEO allegedly splurged thousands of pounds on company credit cards.
Barnabas Aid, a group dedicated to supporting persecuted Christians worldwide, is facing a statutory inquiry by the Charity Commission following allegations of financial impropriety.
The regulator's highest level of investigation was launched on September 17 after reports emerged of international CEO Noel Frost misusing corporate cards for personal expenses.
Barnabas Aid, part of a global network with assets estimated at £100million, recently dismissed Frost - while internal documents suggest the group's finances could be staring down the barrel of a potential £15million shortfall.
An interim report by a law firm investigating the charity revealed that Frost, 47, used company cards for personal expenses including flights to Las Vegas, bikes, and electronics
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The scandal has caused a significant rift within the organisation, resulting in the suspension of three founding members - as well as allegations of a "toxic culture" created by the charity's founder, Rev Dr Patrick Sookhdeo.
An interim report by a law firm investigating the charity revealed that Frost, 47, used company cards for personal expenses including flights to Las Vegas, bikes, and electronics.
He also allegedly transferred over £130,000 into accounts linked to him personally - allegations which he denies, claiming the flights were paid for in error and refuting the personal transfers.
Frost's dismissal came after it was discovered he had been struck off as a solicitor in South Africa for defrauding clients shortly before his promotion to CEO at Barnabas Aid.
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Noel Frost allegedly splurged thousands of pounds on company cards
BARNABAS AIDA Charity Commission spokesman confirmed the statutory inquiry was underway, adding that they will publish a public statement outlining the scope of their investigation in due course.
The investigation has also raised questions over payments to trustees and directors.
Lord Simon Reading, 82, received £50,000 for proposed defamation proceedings after being caught in an undercover sting offering access to Vladimir Putin through Prince Michael of Kent, according to The Telegraph.
Prince Michael denied any recent contact with Putin, while Lord Reading admitted to making a mistake.
Further charity payments to Lord Reading, including rent, hearing aids, and a car, are under scrutiny - and though he disputes the figures, he is cooperating with the investigation.
Lord Simon Reading, 82, received £50,000 for proposed defamation proceedings after being caught in an undercover sting offering access to Vladimir Putin
ReutersThe charity's founder, Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, and his wife Rosemary are being asked to explain £1.3million they allegedly received.
Caroline Kerslake, a founding member, said this sum had been accumulated over three decades, mostly from ring-fenced donations intended for the Sookhdeos in lieu of salaries.
In a letter to the regulator, she emphasised the leadership's commitment to protecting charitable funds.
She wrote: "The founding leaders are determined to stop anyone depleting charitable funds which we have built up over the decades for the service of those truly in need."
Kerslake added that they are "willing to cooperate with any genuinely impartial investigation into the charity".
A spokesman for Barnabas Aid said: "The independent investigation has been going on for months and we welcome the Charity Commission's statutory inquiry into activities that happened in the past.
"We will continue to work closely with the commission."