A UK-based global Christian charity has been the subject of a financial misconduct investigation after its CEO allegedly spent thousands of pounds on company credit cards, including for personal leisure. The Charity Commission launched an investigation into Barabas Aid, a worldwide organization that is committed to providing assistance to persecuted Christians, on Sept. 17 after a watchdog group investigated the company.
The allegations accused CEO Noel Frost, 47, who has since been dismissed, of misusing corporate cards for personal expenses, GB News reported. The global charity's assets are estimated at £100 million, and financial internal documents show that the company is facing a £15 million shortfall. Frost reportedly used company cards for personal purchases such as flights to Las Vegas, bikes, and electronics.
The ex-CEO also allegedly transferred £13,000 from the company into his personal accounts, although Frost has denied the claim. Three founding members of the charity, established by Rev. Dr. Patrick Sookhdeo, have also been suspended.
Shortly before his promotion to CEO, Frost was struck off as a solicitor in South Africa for defrauding clients.
Questions regarding payments to trustees and directors have also been raised during the investigation.
According to The Telegraph, Lord Simon Reading, 82, was awarded £50,000 for proposed defamation proceedings after being implicated in an undercover operation that offered access to Vladimir Putin through Prince Michael of Kent. Prince Michael denied that he had any recent communication with Putin, while Lord Reading acknowledged that he had made an error.
Lord Reading allegedly received charitable disbursements for rent, hearing aids, and a vehicle. He has been cooperating with the investigation and has disagreed with the financial amounts he is said to have received.
Additionally, Dr. Sookhedo, the charity's founder, and his wife, Rosemary, are being requested to provide an explanation for the £1.3 million they reportedly received from the company.
The allegations accused CEO Noel Frost, 47, who has since been dismissed, of misusing corporate cards for personal expenses, GB News reported. The global charity's assets are estimated at £100 million, and financial internal documents show that the company is facing a £15 million shortfall. Frost reportedly used company cards for personal purchases such as flights to Las Vegas, bikes, and electronics.
The ex-CEO also allegedly transferred £13,000 from the company into his personal accounts, although Frost has denied the claim. Three founding members of the charity, established by Rev. Dr. Patrick Sookhdeo, have also been suspended.
Shortly before his promotion to CEO, Frost was struck off as a solicitor in South Africa for defrauding clients.
Questions regarding payments to trustees and directors have also been raised during the investigation.
According to The Telegraph, Lord Simon Reading, 82, was awarded £50,000 for proposed defamation proceedings after being implicated in an undercover operation that offered access to Vladimir Putin through Prince Michael of Kent. Prince Michael denied that he had any recent communication with Putin, while Lord Reading acknowledged that he had made an error.
Lord Reading allegedly received charitable disbursements for rent, hearing aids, and a vehicle. He has been cooperating with the investigation and has disagreed with the financial amounts he is said to have received.
Additionally, Dr. Sookhedo, the charity's founder, and his wife, Rosemary, are being requested to provide an explanation for the £1.3 million they reportedly received from the company.
