UK probes charity that did relief work during the 2001 Gujarat earthquake

Britain’s charity regulator, on Tuesday, opened an investigation into the activities of a London-based organisation that works in India, Pakistan, Iraq and elsewhere, primarily to support orphans in areas affected by wars, conflict and natural disasters.

The Orphan Relief Fund and Charitable Trust (ORFACT) participated in relief during the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. Its area of operation includes Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. In 2016, it spent 568,356 pounds in charitable activities.

The charity commission said it proactively identified ORFACT for a compliance visit due to its work in high risk areas. Its visit in May 2017 identified that the trustees were unable to provide records as evidence for a significant amount of its overseas expenditure in Iraq between 2013 and 2017.

“The commission also found that a number of payments had been made to one of the charity’s trustees without explanation. The commission also found that the charity has applied funds to activities that fall outside of its objects”, it said.

The commission said its inquiry will examine the administration, governance and management of the charity. It will also look at financial controls and management of the charity and whether its funds have been properly expended solely for charitable purposes and can be accounted for. The conduct of the trustees and whether or not the trustees have complied with and fulfilled their duties and responsibilities under charity law will also be examined.

Set up in 1983, ORFACT describes its work is not intended to “further any political or religious perspective; instead we focus simply on eradicating deprivation. Help is given regardless of the race, faith, or nationality of recipients...”.

“ORFACT respects the people and culture of every country , recognising that victims are dignified human beings, not hopeless objects”, it adds.